Anticline sit-in set for Sunday

by Alecia Warren

A group of locals unaffiliated with any specific organization and spanning all age groups will stage a sit-in from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday on the Pinedale Anticline, with hopes of purveying one clear message: “Do it right …Now!”

Pinedale resident Elaine Crumpley said she and other locals want to show the government and resource agencies that many people don’t agree with allowing local gas companies to expand drilling on the anticline.

“We want reductions in emissions that are the precursors to ozone; we want to have assurance that we can tier three and four rigs instead of these obsolete things that have no compliance,” Crumpley said of drilling rigs used on the fields that were “in compliance” with federal environment standards years ago before technology progressed to a point that could significantly reduce pollution.

“We’re concerned about the water and the wildlife.”

The group encourages anyone who shares their stance to meet them at the Pinedale Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Office at noon this Sunday. From there, the group will drive to a section of the anticline where speakers will give presentations and musical performances.

“It’s a non-violent event, and we’re going to make a minimal impact on the anticline by carpooling and bringing recyclable water bottles and being self sufficient,” Crumpley said. “Your voice and presence is powerful. When communities gather, people listen.”