County staff flag two oil-and-gas matters: local plan review and potential regional lawsuit
August 18, 2025 | Routt County, Colorado
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Routt County staff told commissioners on Aug. 18 they are preparing two separate responses related to oil-and-gas activity near the county: (1) an application before the state Energy and Minerals governing body (ECMC) to bring two existing wells into compliance via a Petroleum Resource Management plan (referred to as PDR project 222); and (2) a request from Eagle Countys counsel to join a lawsuit challenging the permitting of a Wildcat loadout facility.
PDR project 222: Matt Sura and county staff reviewed the oil-and-gas development plan application and expect to send a draft comment letter to the ECMC recommending the county be "on the record." Staff described that the plan involves two wells (one currently unpermitted) and primarily surface disturbance in Moffat County. Staff recommended submitting comments similar to prior comments the county submitted over adjacent lease sales to ensure county interests in natural resources are registered. Commissioners agreed staff should proceed with a draft letter for review and potential inclusion on next weeks agenda.
Wildcat Loadout Facility litigation: Kaplan Kirsch counsel representing Eagle County asked whether Routt County would join as a plaintiff challenging a proposal to enlarge a loadout facility (described as enabling more trains to transport oil). Counsel estimated total litigation costs at roughly $140,000 $190,000 and expressed willingness to file within 4 6 weeks. Staff clarified this ask is to join as a plaintiff (a different stage than filing an amicus brief). Commission discussion: commissioners asked for more detail on cost-sharing and timing and asked staff to seek additional information from Eagle County and counsel before deciding whether to participate. Commissioners did not vote; they asked staff to return with additional information at a subsequent meeting.
Why it matters: the PDR plan and the loadout facility could change industrial activity near county borders and create potential environmental, traffic and safety impacts. County staff said making a record with the ECMC is important even if the project is outside the county the countys letter would flag local interests and show the county is monitoring nearby development. On litigation, commissioners noted litigation could be expensive and might require partnering counties to coordinate funding; the county asked for time to evaluate whether to join as a plaintiff or to support the effort later as an amicus.
Next steps: staff will circulate the draft ECMC comment letter and return with more detailed cost and timing information about the proposed Wildcat loadout litigation, including what other counties or entities plan to do.
PDR project 222: Matt Sura and county staff reviewed the oil-and-gas development plan application and expect to send a draft comment letter to the ECMC recommending the county be "on the record." Staff described that the plan involves two wells (one currently unpermitted) and primarily surface disturbance in Moffat County. Staff recommended submitting comments similar to prior comments the county submitted over adjacent lease sales to ensure county interests in natural resources are registered. Commissioners agreed staff should proceed with a draft letter for review and potential inclusion on next weeks agenda.
Wildcat Loadout Facility litigation: Kaplan Kirsch counsel representing Eagle County asked whether Routt County would join as a plaintiff challenging a proposal to enlarge a loadout facility (described as enabling more trains to transport oil). Counsel estimated total litigation costs at roughly $140,000 $190,000 and expressed willingness to file within 4 6 weeks. Staff clarified this ask is to join as a plaintiff (a different stage than filing an amicus brief). Commission discussion: commissioners asked for more detail on cost-sharing and timing and asked staff to seek additional information from Eagle County and counsel before deciding whether to participate. Commissioners did not vote; they asked staff to return with additional information at a subsequent meeting.
Why it matters: the PDR plan and the loadout facility could change industrial activity near county borders and create potential environmental, traffic and safety impacts. County staff said making a record with the ECMC is important even if the project is outside the county the countys letter would flag local interests and show the county is monitoring nearby development. On litigation, commissioners noted litigation could be expensive and might require partnering counties to coordinate funding; the county asked for time to evaluate whether to join as a plaintiff or to support the effort later as an amicus.
Next steps: staff will circulate the draft ECMC comment letter and return with more detailed cost and timing information about the proposed Wildcat loadout litigation, including what other counties or entities plan to do.
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