Imagine you’re a farmer. Your family’s had your farm for generations. Years ago, like many, you saw an opportunity to support your family by leasing your surface land for mineral extraction. But when the extraction team walked away from the site, they left behind devastation.

Or consider a Western Colorado rancher who has grazed her cattle for generations on land maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). But as drilling operations have encroached on those lands, she now finds her cattle in close proximity to oil pads and heavy machinery. Fences meant to protect the drilling sites can become rubbing posts for curious cows, putting them at risk of injury.

Finally, put yourselves in the shoes of an outdoor enthusiast who cherishes the public lands of Western Colorado for the hiking, biking, and hunting which has nurtured and provided sustenance to his family for years. Now, as he hikes into the heart of extraction areas, he finds the ugly aftermath of drilling and mining operations. Piles of debris, scarred landscapes, and littered trails have replaced the once pristine wilderness.

The BLM is now considering a rule for bonding and permitting oil wells on public lands. This new rule would help all of these people, while also improving air and water quality for everyone in communities dependent on public lands. It will also ultimately help Western Colorado’s economy by offering a diversified portfolio of healthy investments and more stable energy sources in the future. 

What can you do? Right now, we need Western Colorado residents to submit comments to the BLM in support of the bill or suggest necessary changes. The deadline is nearly here! We only have until midnight on September 22 to make these comments. Please visit the BLM’s comment page and register your support for this rule. And please share this information with your friends.