Environmental Issues: Rockies Express Pipeline LLC, Cheyenne Connector, LLC, East Cheyenne Gas Storage, LLC; Proposed Critical Energy Reliability Link Project

Colorado Open Lands opposes the proposed Critical Energy Reliability Link (CERL) Project because it would cross two properties protected by perpetual conservation easements. The organization argues that the pipeline would cause permanent habitat fragmentation, degradation of scenic character, and loss of native vegetation, and requests that FERC prioritize avoidance alternatives to protect these public conservation benefits.

Margina Pingenot, Director of the Arapahoe County Open Spaces Department, opposes the proposed pipeline route due to its significant impact on high-quality Western Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie habitat and critical winter ranges for mule deer, pronghorn, and bald eagles. The commenter also highlights the presence of burrowing owl nesting pairs within or near the proposed alignment.

A private landowner is opposing the proposed pipeline easement due to inconsistent negotiations, frequent changes in company representatives, and shifting project scopes. The commenter argues that the requested rights exceed typical standards and that the offered compensation is significantly below market value and previous payments for similar easements.

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The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, representing over 100,000 member families in Colorado, expresses strong support for the Critical Energy Reliability Link Project. They argue that the project is necessary to provide affordable and reliable energy to rural communities and appreciate the developer's commitment to minimizing impacts on farm and ranch lands.

The Teamsters National Pipeline Labor Management Cooperation Trust supports the construction of the Proposed Critical Energy Reliability Link Project. They argue that their union provides a highly skilled, drug-free, and safety-trained workforce that will ensure the project is completed efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) submitted comments regarding the Rockies Express Pipeline LLC - Critical Energy Reliability Link Project. While the agency expresses concerns about wildlife impacts, it supports the project by acknowledging the applicant's efforts to minimize impacts and providing specific recommendations for habitat protection, construction timing, and mitigation measures.

The Colorado Competitive Council, a coalition of business leaders and economic development organizations, supports the Critical Energy Reliability Link Project. They argue that the project is necessary to improve energy affordability and competitiveness in Colorado while creating jobs and generating tax revenue.

The East Central Council of Governments, a regional government body in Colorado, supports the Critical Energy Reliability Link Project. They argue that the project is necessary to provide affordable, reliable energy to rural communities and will create jobs and tax revenue for the region.

The commenter, identifying as a LIUNA Pipeliner, supports the Critical Energy Reliability Link Project because it utilizes skilled union labor for safe construction and environmental protection. They argue the project will create high-quality, family-supporting jobs with benefits while also lowering energy costs for Colorado residents and businesses.