In a special meeting held at Erie Town Hall on June 16th, 2026, the Erie Town Council considered a contract agreement with SM Energy (the parent company of Civitas, Crestone Peak Resources, and Extraction Oil & Gas), to consider the sale of Erie-held mineral rights to SM Energy in exchange for a cash payment, an exchange of land, a percentage of the proceeds from the oil & gas extracted from the Draco drilling & spacing unit (DSU), and the plugging and abandonment of additional wells not strictly with the Draco DSU.
Those that made public comment at the hearing mentioned potential violations of contract terms regarding competitive bidding processes, and the excessive use of executive sessions by the Mayor. Councilmember Dan Hoback was unable to attend the meeting, but provided written comments.
The vote ultimately failed 3-3. No further action has been considered at this time.
For more information see this media coverage:
- 9News: Proposal to sell Erie’s mineral rights fails in town council after 3-3 vote
- Daily Camera: In split vote, Erie Town Council rejects deal tied to Draco oil and gas project
- Yellowscene: Erie mineral rights deal fails as O’Connor breaks from council majority
