Industry leaders breathe sigh of relief as Colorado oil and gas bill fails in committee. Greeley Tribune.
A bill that opponents say would have hampered Colorado oil and gas development was struck down Wednesday by the Colorado State Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee on an 8-3 vote.
Rep. Joe Salazar, D-Thornton, wrote House Bill 1077, which would have required oil and gas operators to prove development does not adversely affect human health and does not contribute to climate change, according to the release. Industry groups were quick to mobilize, with Energy In Depth releasing a report Tuesday showing better health outcomes despite increased oil and gas activity in Weld County between 2002-15. "The proponents (of the bill) would have you believe this is merely putting health and safety in the front of the (Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission) mission," Colorado Petroleum Council Executive Director Tracee Bentley told The Tribune on Wednesday afternoon. "This is not done with pure intent. They know permits can't come out of the commission until every aspect is studied and debated and proven — it could take years."
The bill is based on a Colorado Appeals Court case related to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's role when it comes to public health and safety as it relates to oil and gas development. That case is being appealed to the Colorado Supreme Court, which Bentley called the appropriate forum for such a debate.
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Colorado gets to much money from taxes on oil & gas companies to ever pass anything that will kill the Golden Goose. However, this is why the DJ Basin companies trade at a deep discount to the companies with most of their operations in Texas.