"A Boulder County District Court judge has struck down Longmont's fracking ban but said the ban can remain in place while the city considers an appeal.

Judge D.D. Mallard issued the summary judgment Thursday. In the ruling, she said Longmont's charter amendment clearly conflicted with the state's regulations and its interest in the efficient development of oil and gas deposits.

'While the court appreciates the Longmont citizens' sincerely held beliefs about risks to their health and safety, the court does not find this is sufficient to completely devalue the state's interest,' Mallard wrote."

Scott Rochat reports for the Longmont Times-Call July 24, 2014. [2]