Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission Stays Highly Contested Draco Pad Indefinitely

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COLORADO ENERGY & CARBON MANAGEMENT COMMISSION STAYS HIGHLY CONTESTED DRACO PAD INDEFINITELY

Ensuring protection of public health, safety, and the environment is prioritized

DENVER, CO — Today, the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) voted unanimously to stay the Draco Oil and Gas Development Plan (OGDP) proposed by Extraction Oil & Gas Inc./Civitas Resources. The plan, which would have allowed Civitas to horizontally drill and fracture 26 wellbores, some extending five miles underground, under the Town of Erie — including residential areas and schools — has been indefinitely paused. This decision ensures that public health, safety, welfare, environmental protection, and wildlife resources remain at the forefront of Colorado’s energy policies.

The stay comes after the Commission identified the need for additional analysis of alternative development locations, which would ensure that Erie residents are more appropriately represented in local decision-making. While risks remain with any proposed location, including the unprecedented length of the wellbores and the proximity to existing wells, the Commission acknowledged the importance of further investigation into potential safer alternatives before proceeding.

“We are deeply relieved and grateful that the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission listened to the voices of Erie residents and issued a stay on the Draco oil and gas development project,” said Sami Carroll, Founder of Flatiron Meadows Oil & Gas Monitoring Group. “This decision represents a victory for the community. It affirms that the Commission recognizes the unique complications surrounding the governance of the Town of Erie and the impact that such projects have on residents. Today, we celebrate this win and look forward to continued work with the Town of Erie on ensuring a safer, more sustainable future.”

The Commission’s decision was shaped by the newly adopted Cumulative Impacts rules stemming from Senate Bill 19-181, which require operators to demonstrate that adverse impacts from oil and gas operations are first avoided, and if unavoidable, minimized or mitigated. The Commission recognized that further exploration of alternative locations represents the best opportunity to avoid unnecessary harms to the community. Additionally, the stay allows time for further discussions between Civitas Resources and the Town of Erie to consider potential alternative sites.

The Commission also weighed the significant future risks posed by the proposed site, including the proximity to residential communities, schools, and ongoing developments, as well as the impact on air quality in the Denver Metropolitan/North Front Range ozone nonattainment area. The Commission’s deliberations underscored the importance of considering both current and foreseeable impacts when evaluating new energy projects.

The decision to stay the Draco OGDP also carries broader implications for other Colorado communities facing similar development proposals. Save The Aurora Reservoir (STAR), which has been advocating for the protection of its own community, welcomed the decision as a strong indication that the Commission will prioritize public health, safety, and environmental protection in future development considerations.

“Today’s ruling shows that the Commission is committed to assessing the full range of risks associated with large-scale oil and gas projects. This is a step in the right direction and sets an important precedent for projects like the proposed Lowry CAP pad, which we fear could have serious consequences for the region,” said STAR. “We encourage the Commission to continue applying the cumulative impacts mitigation hierarchy, ensuring that harmful projects are prevented and that our communities remain protected.”

Community Reactions
Residents of Erie expressed relief and gratitude for the Commission’s decision. “We are so relieved that the Energy Commission ruled on behalf of the public interest,” said Jennifer Hanan, an Erie resident. “This decision shows the importance of listening to the concerns of surrounding communities before moving forward with potentially harmful projects.”

Barbara & Tom Petruzzi, longtime residents of Erie, added, “After 43 years in the Boulder mountains, we chose to retire in Erie because we believed people here care about the environment and health of the residents. This decision proves we were right. The Commission upheld its responsibility to protect public health and safety, and we are incredibly grateful.”

“We’re thankful that the ECMC has chosen to prioritize our community’s health and safety over corporate interests,” said Paul VanTol, a local healthcare professional. “This is a significant victory for Boulder and Weld Counties.”

Looking Ahead
While the Commission’s stay on the Draco OGDP is seen as a win for public health and environmental safety, organizations like 350 Colorado continue to advocate for the full rejection of such projects, emphasizing the need to prioritize sustainable, community-centered solutions over harmful fossil fuel extraction.

“While today’s decision is a step forward, we are committed to ensuring that projects like Draco — which pose significant risks to our air, water, and residents — are not just moved but fully rejected,” said Melissa Burrell, 350 Colorado Boulder County Team Coordinator. “We will continue to fight for policies that put public health and environmental sustainability ahead of corporate profits.”

About Flatiron Meadows Oil & Gas Monitoring Group (FMOGMG):

Flatiron Meadows O&G Monitoring Group is a coalition of concerned residents and community members directly impacted by oil and gas development, specifically the Draco Oil and Gas Development Project. The group is dedicated to educating and empowering neighbors to take action to protect their homes, health, and environment. FMOGMG serves as an information hub, advocate, and mobilizer for local communities affected by energy development in Colorado.

About Save The Aurora Reservoir (STAR):

Save The Aurora Reservoir (STAR) is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting the Aurora Reservoir and surrounding communities from harmful oil and gas operations. STAR advocates for stronger environmental protections and public health safeguards in the face of industrial expansion.

About 350 Colorado:

350 Colorado is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the climate crisis and advocating for a just transition to a sustainable, fossil-free future. As the largest grassroots climate organization in Colorado, 350 Colorado works to advance policies that prioritize people and the planet over corporate interests.