In the summer of 2007 local citizens from Mesa, Garfield and Rio Blanco counties were interviewed about their feelings regarding the current RD&D oil shale test sites as well as the potential for renewed commercial leasing. The local citizens we spoke to represent a diverse background of individuals ranging from realtors, bankers, ranchers, accountants and business owners.

We interviewed 12 different individuals, asking each how they felt about the oil shale industry returning to western Colorado, how and if they had been impacted by the oil shale boom/bust of 1982 and what were their biggest concerns or interests about oil shale. Of the 12 interviews we conducted, there were many different viewpoints and perspectives, but the one common theme was that most folks would like to see oil shale development move forward at a slow pace, with careful consideration to the potential impacts to the environment and the quality of life in western Colorado.

Black Sunday and the Bust of ‘82
Local citizens recall and comment on the oil shale bust of 1982

Water
Comments on oil shale development and the potential impact it will have on our water resources.

Cumulative Impacts
The public owns the minerals on public lands.

	Finance Director of Garfield County School District talks about the impacts of oil shale development to schools and to affordable housing for teachers
	A rancher, CPA and oil shale consultant discuss what happens to local communities when industry leaves and how we can think about our future
	A CPA discusses the public ownership of minerals on public land and how royalties should be used for community growth
	A CPA and rancher discuss the impacts of industry to local communities
	A rancher discusses the various impacts of industry to the ranching community
	An insurance agent and retired banker discuss their feeling about the future and the cycle of boom/bust in Colorado
	Local Meeker residents talk about growth in their town and impacts to the area

Wilderness issues

	Local residents discuss surface disturbance, how the land in northwest Colorado is perceived and the impacts of hunting
	A CPA discusses the role of the Bureau of Land Management in multiple use designation and how this is impacted by the oil shale industry

Note: this footage is available in high or low resolution version on request.