Local fracking bans could go before Colorado high court soon

Colorado’s battle over who should regulate fracking could be on the fast track to the state Supreme Court.

The Colorado Court of Appeals on Monday asked to bow out of lawsuits over a ban on fracking in Longmont and a 5-year-moratorium in Fort Collins. That would allow the Supreme Court to take the cases directly, without a ruling by the Appeals Court.

Lower courts overturned both the ban and the moratorium, saying regulation is the state’s prerogative.

The cities asked the Court of Appeals to restore their restrictions. The Appeals Court says the issues are so significant they’ll wind up before the Supreme Court eventually.

The higher court hasn’t said if it will take the cases.

Longmont officials were reviewing the decision. Fort Collins officials didn’t immediately return a call.