Oil drilling project near Aurora homes faces critical decision

The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission is deliberating a plan for significant oil drilling near Aurora, challenging new state regulations aimed at balancing development and safety.

Chase Woodruff reports for Colorado Newsline.

In short:

• The plan involves drilling on the Lowry Ranch property, a former Air Force site, proposing 156 wells over six years, with Civitas Resources seeking to streamline the permit process.
• Environmental groups and residents oppose the project, citing risks such as proximity to the Aurora Reservoir and a Superfund site, which Civitas has agreed not to drill under.
• The 2019 health and safety law reform gave local governments more power over drilling, and the plan’s approval will test the new regulations.

Key quote:

“What we’ve seen is people from all walks of life and various levels of oil and gas knowledge looking at the CAP application and realizing something isn’t right about it.”

— Mike Foote, environmental attorney

Why this matters:

The decision will test Colorado’s 2019 law meant to protect public health while allowing energy development. The outcome could influence future energy projects and the state’s approach to balancing environmental and economic interests.