A Colorado group opposed to hydraulic fracturing - fracking -- has announced a lawsuit seeking to halt new oil and gas drilling permits until updated regulations are in place.
Joe Salazar, attorney for “Colorado Rising”, says the Denver District Court complaint alleges the state is issuing drilling permits under rules made obsolete by a new law.
The law requires the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to put public health and safety ahead of production in considering permits. It is currently coming up with rules to comply.
In the lawsuit a group of Broomfield, Colorado residents contend, in part, that the agency didn't give them the right to raise health and environmental objections afforded them under the new law as the agency considered a well location permit.