Vital for Colorado, a broad business coalition that supports the oil and gas industry, says it’ll give $100,000 to the Vote No On 301 committee in Broomfield.

Question 301 would give the home-rule city more authority over oil-and-gas drilling, which the courts have upheld is authority that belongs to the state.

The ballot question says development can “only occur in a manner that does not adversely impact the health, safety and welfare of Broomfield’s residents in their workplaces, their homes, their schools, and public parks.”

Opponents say that’s overly broad language, which could give the city the ability to drive out an industry, if not for the courts.

Vital for Colorado noted that the city attorney, Bill Tuthill, warned the council that defending such a law in court could be a costly chore for taxpayers, as Colorado Politics reported in June.

“We will not sit on the sidelines and allow the Sierra Club and Company to impose their divisive agenda on Broomfield unopposed,” Vital for Colorado said in a statement, providing a variety of supporters for its position.

Denver Pipefitters Local 208 said, “Ballot measures like Question 301 are pushed by outside anti-oil and gas groups to promote conflict and boost their political agenda statewide and on the national stage.”

And the Metro North Chamber of Commerce offered, “Passing 301 would waste critical financial resources and would not benefit the community as a whole.”

Vital for Colorado noted the court challenges of several other Front Range cities, that have spent taxpayers money on on moratoriums and bans, only to see them overturned.

“The Colorado Supreme Court has made it clear that cities and counties cannot take the action required in Question 301,” the Metro North Chamber stated. “In addition, multiple state agencies and staff currently regulate the oil and gas industry quite successfully – ensuring Coloradans have quality air, water and that wildlife is protected.”

Vital for Colorado chairman Peter Moore said the business leaders and labor officials have cooperated “in an unprecedented way” against fight Question 301.

Broomfield Concerned, a group of neighborhoods supporting the ballot question, said local residents should exert their right to have some say about industry that impacts their lives.

“Some people are concerned that amendment 301 could cause Broomfield to be sued by the oil and gas industry. While I am not looking for a lawsuit, I can’t let that stop me from working hard to pass this amendment,” Judy Kelly wrote on the Broomfield Concern blog. “Residents of Broomfield deserve the additional protection this amendment offers.”

The campaign group Yes on 301 said, “Broomfield Ballot Question 301 will require the health and safety of residents to be put before oil and gas development. Health and safety is a priority for Broomfield residents.