Politico: Colorado’s anti-fracking proposals “threaten to split” Democrats

A fracking rig on Colorado's Front Range. (Kevin J. Beaty)
Colorado’s Democrats and environmentalists can’t agree on two anti-fracking proposals that could go before voters in November, according to a weekend report out of Politico.
Initiatives 75 and 78 would give local governments more power to restrict the controversial drilling technique, along with other limits.
Politico reports that the “major green” groups will avoid the fight, fearing a “demoralizing defeat” before voters.
It’s also an unusual topic for Democrats – after all, Donald Trump has showed some support for the proposed limits, while Democratic Governor John Hickenlooper has historically supported fracking.
“A divisive referendum on oil and gas production would increase calls for Clinton to explicitly take a side,” as Politico puts it.
So far, the fight has not been even. As we reported last week, oil and gas interests are raising far more money than anti-fracking advocates. And Politico notes that this year’s referenda don’t seem to have the support of Tom Steyer, the wealthy environmentalist who bankrolled an earlier anti-fracking campaign.

It’s prime rib night at the local municipal golf course

Denver Public Library will reopen nine branches on March 9

You’ll have another 450 acres of prime Colorado real estate to frolic on when Denver adds its newest mountain park

One block in Denver’s COVID economy: The largely Latinx Westwood got help late in the pandemic, but businesses are holding strong

How Denver’s city elections might change

How can Denver recognize its once-thriving Chinatown?

Things to do in Denver this weekend, Feb. 26-28

Denver’s music venues, libraries, rec centers: Here’s what we know about what’s opening when

The Broadway bike ‘superhighway’ might be done sometime in 2023?

The city is considering funding an apartment complex that would offer services to unhoused people who have brain injuries

A pretty big tree comes down in Cherry Creek

Aurora police chief said trust between cops and residents is broken but declined to comment on punishment for officers involved in Elijah McClain’s death

How the CRUSH investigation came together, and why we reported it

Police will continue to patrol homeless sweeps, but Mayor Hancock wants civilians to play a larger role

Aurora police critically mishandled encounter with Elijah McClain before his death, independent report finds

Sexual assault allegations, violence, bullying: Women say Denver’s street art scene and its leaders have failed them

One block in Denver’s COVID economy: Older businesses on Welton Street are taking a hit

Denver’s mental health workers picket for higher pay as their services are more needed than ever

Things to do in Denver this weekend without spreading the coronavirus, Feb. 19-21
