The perennial face-off over fracking is of course a four-way fight: While the oil and gas industry has been duking it out with activists opposed to drilling, the state of Colorado has been going toe-to-toe with local governments over who has the power to regulate drilling in the first place.

It is the latter clash that could land the City and County of Broomfield in court, yet again, if Question 301 on the November ballot is passed by Broomfield voters. And some local residents say they are tired of it. So much so that they’ve banded together under the slogan, “Don’t let them divide Broomfield” in opposition to 301. Otherwise, they say, there will be another bruising battle – between the industry and “fracktivist” drilling foes, as well as between city and state in court. From a press release issued to the media on Tuesday:

“We’re tired of Broomfield being treated as a petri dish for these ugly political fights that serve no purpose other than to divide and distract Broomfield…” said Broomfield resident Karen Nelson.

Question 301, placed on the ballot last month after a citizens initiative gathered enough signatures, would give the local government:

…plenary authority to regulate all aspects of oil and gas development, including land use and all necessary police powers.

Plenary authority, meaning absolute authority. Problem is, the Colorado Supreme Court has ruled the state government, via the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, holds ultimate authority over oil and gas exploration. Which would place Broomfield and the state on a collision course if 301 is adopted.

It’s not the first time; in 2013, voters approved a five-year moratorium drilling moratorium, but it was mooted by the aforementioned Supreme Court ruling. Earlier this year, voters turned back an attempt by anti-drilling resident-activists to recall a city council member perceived to be too soft on oil and gas exploration.

“Don’t let them divide Broomfield” organizers say against that backdrop, another court battle – a near certainty, they say – is too much to endure. Their press release quotes City Attorney Bill Tuthill:

“I’m telling you if the charter amendment gets passed, it’s going to be subject to vigorous court challenge.”