Colorado’s growing oil and gas industry is not off the hook just because voters decisively turned back a measure that would significantly increase setbacks from drilling operations and homes, schools and more.

The problem Proposition 112 would have unsuccessfully addressed is still a serious problem.

The measure sought to increase the mandatory setback places like homes and schools must be from petroleum oil and fracking sites to 2,500 feet – five times farther than it is in some cases.

During the expensive, hyperbolic debate on the measure, critics of the increased setback focused on the economic effects a law would have that was created to protect public health.

It was diversionary tactic that drew away public attention from the controversy over what effect increased petroleum drilling, fracking and pumping have on the environment and health of people near and far from petroleum extraction operations.

It is indisputable that the drilling, pumping and hauling associated with petroleum production is dangerous to human health and the environment. What’s unclear is under what proximity and under what conditions.

Read more at sentinelcolorado.com.