Colowyo seeks public support

RBC I Colowyo Coal is seeking public support for its Collom Permit Expansion, which may be vital to the economic future of Rio Blanco, Moffat and Routt counties.
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement is taking written comments through this Friday concerning the proposed mine expansion, and Colowyo Coal needs local public support.
Energy production has been one of the driving forces behind the economy of Northwest Colorado, said Craig resident Frank Moe, who is spearheading a drive to get tri-county residents to log on to Facebook and register support for the expansion, which could have “very adverse” effects on this part of the state if denied.
“There are a number of residents in Rio Blanco, Moffat and Routt counties who work at the Colowyo facility between Meeker and Craig, and the lack of the expansion could affect many local jobs,” Moe said. “With the negative pressures from the federal government, our own state government and the extreme environmentalists, our economic future has been put into question.”
Local citizens attended a recent public meeting in Craig to support this cause with verbal and written statements to the office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. Since then, more than 350 others have signed an email petition, which is being entered into the record.
“Rio Blanco Herald Times readers have another 40 hours to tip the scales for permit approval, which will help sustain our economic future.”
Supporters can go to www.facebook.com/supportcoaljobs, click on the link to the petition, and add personal comments requesting that the Interior approve Colowyo Coal LP’s proposed expansion permit.
“Large numbers of concerned citizens will send a strong message to the government,” Moe said. “Therefore, the public can help strengthen our economic future by supporting this effort.”