Broomfield council OKs oil and gas drilling

Broomfield leaders have agreed to allow oil and gas drilling within the city despite pleas to wait until after a vote on a proposed fracking ban.

City councilors voted Tuesday night to allow Sovereign Operating Company to drill 21 wells on four sites as long as it complies with the city’s drilling regulations. Deputy City and County Attorney Tami Yellico says they go beyond state regulations for air quality, water quality, safety and other issues.

The Daily Camera reports that nearly 30 of the 40 residents who spoke at the meeting asked councilors to vote no. Opponents said it wasn’t fair for the council to allow drilling before voters get a chance to vote on the fracking ban in the fall.