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Craig — Luke Schafer, Colorado Environmental Coalition Northwestern campaign coordinator, maintains that natural resources always are contentious issues.

Schafer got the opportunity to voice his group's contentions to the public Tuesday at the Center of Craig.

The CEC presented an informational slideshow that gave data on the restructuring of draft rules for oil and gas drilling in Colorado. The organization's stand on the issue is that the drilling industry needs stricter regulations to protect the environment and communities within the state.

Schafer opened the seminar by discussing concerns brought about by drilling, such as the health concerns in drilling areas, the socioeconomic consequences of the surrounding counties and the effect on native wildlife.

"This was born out of two House Bills that were passed last year by the state legislature," Schafer said. "They've allowed for this public comment period."

HB-1298 is an initiative to protect Colorado wildlife and was passed unanimously. HB-1431 modified the structure of the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission.

After Schafer's discussion of the possible hazards involved in drilling, CEC Northwestern organizer Sasha Nelson briefly talked about the group's goals in updating Colorado's drilling laws.

These actions include better planning of natural gas fields, the requirement of moving drilling implements near buildings from a 150-foot range to 1,000 feet, and the full disclosure of toxic chemicals involved in drilling.

"It's a real chemical cocktail underground," Nelson said. "We'd just like to know what kind of materials they're dealing with before they start drilling."

The audience of 10 included Marianna Raftopoulos, a consultant for Colorado Oil and Gas. Raftopoulos argued that overregulation could drive away the drilling industry altogether.

"The drilling in the Rocky Mountain area is already unorthodox, and when you add that to all the new rules they're talking about, it will be very restrictive for the industry," she said. "The timeframe on this issue needs to be extended so that the industry and the state can have time to evaluate it. The industry wants to be environmentally friendly, and we want to work within the community."

The CEC wants the drilling industry to continue work, as well. Schafer asserts there needs to be a middle ground in order to gain balance.

"This place is truly special and it deserves protection," he said.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission will host a public comment hearing from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St., in Grand Junction.

Members of the CEC will provide transportation to the hearing for anyone interested in attending.

Andy Bockelman can be reached at (970) 875-1796.