HB 1223 alters the makeup of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. That’s a bad idea.

Colorado statute ensures that Commissioners represent a range of perspectives as they guide oil and gas development. Members associated with the oil and gas industry, state government, local government, environmental matters, agriculture, and public health all have a seat at the table.

HB 1223 would sharply narrow this range. It would reduce the number of seats on the Commission from nine to seven and fill most of them with industry-associated members.

This change makes no sense. The Commission as currently composed is facilitating oil and gas development as smoothly as ever. In 2010, Colorado led its neighbors in oil and gas activity, while the Commission issued the third largest number of permits in state history.

What is the current composition of the Commission?
9 members: Directors of DNR and CDPHE/1 local government member/1 member with environmental or wildlife protection experience/1 member with reclamation or soil conservation experience/1 member engaged in agricultural production who is a royalty owner/3 members with substantial oil and gas experience

Why does this work?
Dedicating seats on the Commission to state officials and issue experts ensures that oil and gas development is guided by a range of informed perspectives. It results in carefully thought-out policies that reduce the potential for conflict and disruption down the road.

What would the Commission look like if HB 1223 gets adopted?
7 members: No representatives of state agencies, including DNR or CDPHE/5 members with substantial oil and gas experience/2 members with either environmental or reclamation experience or engaged in agriculture.

Don’t let the Commission get derailed. Vote no on HB 1223.