Wyoming keeps eye on Colorado anti-fracking initiative

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Energy leaders in Wyoming are closely watching the fate of a Colorado ballot initiative that would severely limit fracking on nonfederal land in that state.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that Colorado-based opponents of the initiative warn it could drive jobs, capital and production northward into Wyoming.

But Wyoming industry leaders say it’s way too early to say what impact the initiative could have on the Equality State’s economy.

Colorado’s Proposition 112 would require that new oil and gas wells be at least 2,500 feet from occupied buildings and would allow local governments to enact even greater setbacks.

Current requirements are 500 feet from homes and 1,000 feet from schools.

It also would increase setbacks between new energy operations and “vulnerable areas” that include parks, creeks and irrigation canals.

Current law gives the state jurisdiction over setbacks.

It’s the latest attempt to harness drilling in Colorado’s rapidly expanding Denver metropolitan area. Previous efforts have failed despite concerns about health and drilling rigs close to schools.

A state analysis suggests the initiative would rule out 85 percent of non-federal land in Colorado to development and drastically reduce property taxes paid by the $32 billion state industry.

David Zalubowski The Associated Press Chris Hoffman wears a sign to promote a proposition to limit fracking, while attending a rally Wednesday at the University of Colorado in Boulder.