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 Our American landscapes and environmental resources are national treasures. We in Colorado know that as well as anyone in the country. Also here in Colorado, we have abundant resources of clean burning natural gas, making us a part of the shale gas revolution. This revolution is really an opportunity for all of us – an opportunity to reduce pollution, reduce our carbon footprint, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, increase jobs, and ensure long term reliable and affordable energy.
If you're concerned with carbon emissions or air pollution, natural gas is a key component of any solution that's going to reduce pollutants - natural gas emits half the carbon dioxide of coal. We have reduced our footprint through techniques such as developing multiple wells from one pad, improved our best management practices, and have developed a long track record of environmental stewardship. The industry will become a model as energy infrastructure develops within other industries that don't have that background.
Drilling is an industrial process and like all forms of energy, creates a footprint on our environment. Drilling for natural gas leaves a small footprint, and most of the infrastructure is underground. Technological advances in the last few years have allowed us to extract 10 times the energy with one-tenth of the footprint, and with less waste and safer operations.
No matter how big or small the job or task, safety is the industry’s top priority. We must follow both federal and state rules and regulations regarding worker safety. Beyond those, the industry has developed best management practices, and standards through the American Petroleum Institute, and other national trade organizations. One accident is one too many.
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