Regarding today’s decision by Shell to withdraw its application for water rights in the
Yampa River for oil shale development, Western Resource Advocates President Karin P.
Sheldon released the following statement:

“Western Resource Advocates commends Shell for withdrawing its application for oil shale water rights in the Yampa River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the West.

Oil shale development is incompatible with sustaining the West’s clean air and water, rural agricultural communities, and wild landscapes.

Although Shell says it will continue with its research, the company acknowledges that the process will be slow and contingent upon such factors as the development of a viable oil shale production technology. It is obvious that commercial oil shale development is still not ready for prime time.

As a result of Shell’s actions, Colorado residents can breathe a little easier and the Yampa River lives to flow another year.”

Western Resource Advocates filed one of 25 statements of opposition to Shell's
water rights filing in Colorado Water Court.

Contact:
Peter Roessmann, (303) 444-1188 x. 221