Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joe Salazar August 31, 2021
303.895.7044
Denver International Airport (DEN) Announces Shut Down of Costly Inactive Wells
Money guzzling oil and gas wells are costing Denver taxpayers millions per year
DENVER, CO, August 31, 2021 – Today, Denver International Airport (DEN) announced the closure and plugging of numerous inactive oil and gas wells on DIA property. The closure was the result of pressure from Denver City Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer with the help of Colorado Rising. The wells, which have been inactive for several years, are costing Denver taxpayers millions of dollars each year to maintain.
“Denver should be known as being a leader in climate policy. The decision to close and plug these expensive wells was a smart decision for taxpayers,” said Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer. “Elected officials should make it a priority to work with community organizations, like Colorado Rising, in addressing issues that affect tax dollars and climate protection.”
Colorado Rising applauds Councilwoman Sawyer for investigating this costly expenditure and for taking the necessary steps to ensure these wells are closed for good and are no longer a burden on taxpayers or a danger to our environment.
“I am proud of the work my team, specifically Morgan Watters, performed in assisting Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer in the closure of dozens of oil and gas wells on DIA property. The maintenance of these wells are costing Denver taxpayers millions of dollars each year,” said Joe Salazar, Executive Director of Colorado Rising.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. The oil and gas industry has tens of thousands of orphaned and abandoned wells across Colorado that could cost taxpayers billions of dollars to clean up. As the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission undergoes rulemaking for oil and gas bonding regulations, the agency has an opportunity to assure these companies don’t leave abandoned wells all over Colorado and leave taxpayers responsible to clean them up.
In addition to the financial burden, “all the science indicates that dangerous gases, particularly methane, that spew from oil and gas wells are a major contributor to the climate change we personally are experiencing,” said Salazar. “We will continue to work with forward thinking elected officials in closing additional wells in protection of our communities, environment and our taxpayer dollars.”
