Erie advocates for local control on Draco Pad development timeline

Concerns over local governance and community impact took center stage during the Energy and Carbon Management Commission hearing on March 26, 2025. A key discussion revolved around the proposed development site known as the Draco Pad, located near Erie, Colorado, which has raised significant concerns among local residents and officials.

Commissioner Messner highlighted the importance of engaging with Erie residents, who are the primary population affected by the development. He emphasized that local governments are best positioned to evaluate land use developments, advocating for more opportunities for Erie to discuss alternative sites. The town had previously expressed concerns about the lack of dialogue regarding the proposed site and its implications for local governance.

During the hearing, it was noted that Extraction Oil and Gas, the company behind the Draco Pad project, had made efforts to coordinate with Erie officials. However, the discussions did not yield strong support for relocating the site within Erie’s jurisdiction. Instead, Erie officials proposed a path forward that included three stipulations for the development: compliance with all agreements and permits, addressing previously abandoned well sites, and a strict timeline for preproduction activities to be completed by October 15, 2027.

The commissioner acknowledged that Extraction's plan largely aligns with these stipulations but suggested that a slight extension of the timeline could be reasonable due to the lengthy application process. This stay on the application has provided Erie with a significant opportunity to advocate for more control over operational permitting, ensuring that the voices of local residents are prioritized in decisions that directly impact their community.

As the commission moves forward, the focus remains on balancing state interests with local governance, ensuring that the concerns of Erie residents are adequately addressed in the development process.