04 Mar Opportunity to Testify on the Oil and Gas Reform Bill of the Century!

Oil and gas reform is finally here! The Colorado Legislature has introduced a bill that will finally prioritize public health, safety, and welfare over oil and gas profits.

We have also been presented with the opportunity to make our voices in the North Fork Valley heard as the Senate considers this bill. On Tuesday, March 5th, starting at 2:00 pm, the Senate will be making remote testimony available at the Montrose Regional Library Room 100.

You MUST register in advance if you are interested in testifying, and you can do so by clicking here. 

This bill will:

• Revise the mission of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGGC) so that it no longer fosters the oil and gas industry, but rather regulates it, giving the agency the clear authority to deny drilling applications if public health and safety cannot be protected,
• Direct various agencies to undertake rulemaking to ensure that health, safety, and the environment are protected,
• Grant local governments the express authority to enact more stringent regulations on oil and gas facilities within their jurisdictions without fear of state preemption, and
• Change Colorado’s forced pooling rules to ensure that an operator has the consent of a majority of mineral owners, rather than just a single one.

If you’re able, we strongly encourage you to make your voice heard, and support the prioritization of public health, safety, and welfare.