DENVER - The new rules for regulating oil and gas drilling in the state are a step closer to implementation following several hours of intense debate in the House of Representatives yesterday. The debate was essentially along party lines, with Democrats arguing in favor of the regulations and Republicans at odds with them, particularly with the state’s economy in the tank. House Bill 1292 passed on a  voice vote but still requires a formal, recorded vote before moving to the state Senate.

Adding to the debate were several hundred energy workers who gathered outside the Capitol to voice their opposition to the rules. A handful of Republican politicians joined them at the microphone in denouncing the regulations.

Yesterday’s debate essentially featured the same arguments for and against the rules. Supporters said new regs are needed to protect the environment, public health and wildlife. “I think this will protect the quality of life in gas-development areas,” said Rep. Kathleen Curry, D-Gunnison. Republicans countered that it places too much burden on an industry that contributes billions to the state economy,  especially during a major recession.

“They’re going to pass on rules that will put people out of jobs and are putting people out of jobs,” countered Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, told reporters.

Western Colorado has been ground-zero for oil and gas development during the boom years, and it is where the industry has often butted up against the interests of sportsmen, recreation businesses and environmentalists. Despite a steep drop in the number of drilling operations in recent months, hundreds of new well permits already approved by the COGCC will not be subject to the new regulations. 

The commission says it is important the new rules be implemented to provide a more balanced approach to natural resource extraction . The rules are the product of a nearly two-year-long process that commenced after the legislature passed bills in 2007 instructing the state to create greater protections for wildlife and public health in the face of a rapidly growing energy industry.

Keith Goddard of Rifle told the Denver Post he runs a business
taking hunters on trips into Garfield County’s Roan Plateau. He
says he believes current oil and gas drilling has changed some
animals’ migration patterns. And he fears further development,
if not better regulated, will drive hunters away from his
business.

“Everybody can co-exist,” he said. “But the oil and gas
companies have been able to do whatever they please. And the
wildlife takes a back seat to it.”

In the same Denver Post report, Rob Cose, who works for a
construction company in Grand Junction that does utility work
in the gas patch, said businesses across the Western Slope are
already suffering from the decline of the drilling boom.