Colorado’s House advances oil and gas regulatory bill giving local governments more control
An oil rig in Commerce City, March 9, 2018. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Kevin J. Beaty
Colorado’s House has advanced legislation to bolster local control over oil and gas drilling and change the mission of state regulators of the industry.
Colorado Politics reports lawmakers approved the bill late Thursday. Another vote will send it to the Senate to consider House amendments.
The bill, supported by Gov. Jared Polis, is expected to pass. Democrat supporters control both legislative chambers.
Republicans failed to add a clause to allow petitions for a statewide vote to overturn the initiative if it becomes law.
That would delay possible enactment until after the November 2020 election.
House Speaker KC Becker, the bill’s prime sponsor, says that’s too long to wait.
The bill would let local governments regulate the location of wells. It would also mandate that state regulators emphasize public safety over promoting oil and gas production.
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Things to do in Denver this weekend, Sept. 29-Oct.1
The Lumberjack Festival, Suave Fest, the far East Center's Mid-Autumn Festival and much, much more!
See the future of Denargo Market, a 17-acre development bringing thousands of new residents near downtown Denver
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Live jazz returns to the old Chapultepec venue Friday night. Organizers say the special performance is about more than just the music
“How far down the line do we have to get before we realize that one of the very things that is sustaining us is also disappearing?”
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