Hundreds of moms, dads and Broomfield residents have worked tirelessly for a year-and-a-half to protect our families and property from the unknown risks of fracking. When we voted to pass a 5-year moratorium on fracking last fall, thousands of Broomfield residents agreed that we needed more information on how this dangerous, industrial practice will impact our community’s health and property values before allowing it next to our homes, schools and public parks. Unfortunately, the current secret deal being cut by Governor Hickenlooper and the oil and gas industry is a betrayal that threatens to undo the protections we all need and to undermine the will of the voters in Broomfield.

Our family moved to Broomfield for the quality of life. We liked the parks, loved the schools and knew we would enjoy the abundant outdoor opportunities Broomfield and Boulder counties offered. What we got is a hazed view of the Flatirons and ozone pollution so bad that my children often can’t play outside. The ozone pollution is visible and the studies coming out show it is linked to nearby oil and gas activity.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg on the potential harms associated with fracking. The most recent health studies coming from the University of Colorado and Cornell find that mothers living within a few miles of oil and gas operations gave birth to newborns with lower birth weights and were at an increased risk of having a child with birth defects. And just two weeks ago, there was an earthquake in Greeley — the first in 40 years — that is widely believed to have been caused by nearby fracking activity.

These are exactly the reasons that we need a timeout to study the health and safety impacts of fracking. We should have the right to say what goes on in our backyard or where we can safely send our children to school. That is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Colorado Constitution.

This proposed secret deal would take away that right. The language reads that any local government restriction would be pre-empted if it “materially impedes the recovery” of oil and gas. That standard is a give-away to the oil and gas industry, as it means that local governments can be sued for anything that makes it harder for the industry to put drilling rigs next to homes and schools. The most reasonable local restrictions would be subject to attack by the oil and gas industry.

In short, under this proposed deal, any rule that did not give the oil and gas industry carte blanche to place drilling wells wherever, whenever and however they want would be considered an impediment and subject to a potential lawsuit from the oil and gas industry. Our legally and publicly approved moratorium would be threatened by this standard. Even the weak regulations that the City of Broomfield put in place after massive pressure from Broomfield residents would be useless. This is a bad deal for all Coloradans.

It is even more distressing that this deal was negotiated behind closed doors without the input from the dozens of organizations that are living on the front lines of the fracking boom. Rather, it appears that Governor Hickenlooper decided to cut a deal to protect his election prospects than to protect his constituents. In all respects, this deal is shameful.

Now the question is: Will Governor Hickenlooper be able to “twist enough arms” to force our state legislators to accept this atrocious deal? If so, the governor will convene a special session where the state legislators will vote for this proposal. With all my heart, and on behalf of the thousands of Broomfield residents who voted to protect their health, safety and property from fracking, I appeal to Sen. Vicki Marble and Rep. Dianne Primavera to respect the will of their constituents and oppose this deal. We expect better of our elected representatives.

Laura Fronckiewicz lives in Broomfield.