Colorado Senate Pass Oil and Gas Drilling Protections

Release Date: March 24, 2009
Denver

Contact: Monica Piergrossi 970-417-8007

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The new oil and gas drilling protections developed - and passed unanimously - by Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission were approved by the State Senate today. The new protections are the culmination of nearly two years of work and twenty-one field hearings with thousands of participants conducted by the Commission. 

The oil and gas protections part of the Rules Review legislation must pass another procedural vote tomorrow and then is expected to be signed into law by Governor Ritter.

The new drilling protections enjoy broad support from landowners in energy development areas, public health officials, and a bi-partisan group of elected officials including Senator Gail Schwartz (D- Snowmass) and State Representative Ellen Roberts (R- LaPlata).

The new safeguards include common-sense approaches such as prohibiting new oil and gas drilling within 300 feet of a public water supply, requiring companies to identify chemicals used in drilling, and opening communication between oil and gas operators, the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to help protect wildlife, public health, and water from long-term effects of drilling.

Lead in: DeBeque Colorado resident and landowner Kim Weber, whose home is near a controversial oil and gas disposal facility, had this to say about the oil and gas safeguards passing the State Senate. 

"As a landowner who lives in the heart of one of Colorado's major natural gas patches,  My neighbors and I have seen the need for these new safeguards for a long time. Our state leaders have taken a large leap forward to protect our water and protect my health and the health of all the people I love. I'm proud to be a Coloradan today"
* download quote in wav file @  http://www.ourcolorado.org/what-we-do/energy/oil-gas/audio-quotes.html

Lead in:  Jim Ives, a former executive director of the Rocky Mountain Oil & Gas Association, the predecessor to the Colorado Petroleum Association and avid hunter and outdoorsmen, had this to say about the oil and gas safeguards passing the State Senate. 

"The new protections that the Senate passed are a comprehensive set of proactive, fair and balanced measures that will allow the energy industry to continue to thrive in Colorado and be good neighbors to the communities they are working in.  The drilling protections will also help protect the majestic landscapes, water and crucial wildlife habitats that make the state so special and make us money. Our water and wildlife bring in about 3 billion dollars a year in hunting and fishing,  that's no small potatoes.  As an avid hunter and former oil executive I see this  as a win-win for all  Coloradans"

*download quote in wav file @ http://www.ourcolorado.org/what-we-do/energy/oil-gas/audio-quotes.html