Target: Phil Weiser, Attorney General of Colorado
Goal: Prosecute anyone involved in the alleged falsification of environmental impact reports relating to oil and gas wells.
Well over 300 oil and gas wells operating in Colorado had concerning amounts of seepage of dangerous chemicals linked to cancer and heart disease. Most of the wells were controlled by two fossil fuel giants: Chevron and Oxy. But perhaps the most disturbing part of this story is the alleged cover-up that kept this critical information from public view.
Companies operating oil and gas wells must submit environmental impact reports that monitor any material emanating from the wells and how these materials affect the surrounding environment and public health. But regulators often allow these companies to “self-report,” meaning employees or contractors for the company ultimately compile and submit the reports. The recent investigation found that hundreds of reports submitted by the fossil fuel industry apparently contained misleading and often outright falsified data. As a consequence, these companies likely exposed countless living beings (including humans) to toxic contaminants via ground and water seepage.
Critics are calling for criminal charges in regard to the alleged willful falsification of these reports. Sign the petition below to urge the Colorado attorney general to answer these calls.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Attorney General Weiser,
Fudging a few numbers and moving around some data in order to skirt red tape and regulations may seem like a minor offense at first glance. When these misrepresentations lead to the release of toxic and deadly substances like arsenic into environments and communities, though, the misdirection yields very real and very serious consequences. Fossil fuel conglomerates are accused of engaging in the falsification of environmental impact reports for at least three years. As a result, hundreds of oil and gas wells leaking dangerous substances have allegedly been allowed to fly under the radar in Colorado.
The attorney general of New Mexico has launched an investigation. Colorado, as the most impacted state, must follow suit. Please pursue a full investigation into this reported corporate abuse and, if wrongdoing is proven, pursue maximum charges on behalf of the people who may have had their health endangered by reckless indifference.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
