Proposed oil and gas rules could stifle Colorado energy, economy

DENVER, Nov. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The revisions to rules proposed by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) are duplicative, unnecessary and in conflict with the COGCC's original recommendations, said Colorado Petroleum Council (CPC) Executive Director Tracee Bentley.

"The current proposals contradict key recommendations from the governor's task force and could create needless roadblocks to responsible energy production," said Bentley. "As the EPA and Colorado State University have recently confirmed, the oil and natural gas industry has a proven track record for safety while growing Colorado's local economies, creating jobs, and cutting U.S. carbon emissions to near 20-year lows. We are committed to working with regulators to ensure that Colorado maintains strong, balanced regulations that will build our economy and protect the environment, but the proposed rules go too far."

The CPC is a division of the American Petroleum Institute (API), which recently released updated standards for hydraulic fracturing and environmental safety. Last year, the group also published community engagement guidelines to help operators communicate effectively with local residents and pursue mutual goals for community growth.

Bentley noted that among the proposals that industry hopes to see addressed during this series of public hearings is the request heard from many citizens to extend the initial exploratory drilling periods. The request emphasizes the local preference to drill several wells on one location to ultimately lessen any need to return for additional exploration on a location in the future. Bentley also argued that local notice and consultation provisions within the proposed rules conflict with Task Force Recommendation 17, which gives state regulators leadership over land use decisions.

"Hydraulic fracturing has unlocked vast energy resources, creating jobs and economic opportunity throughout Colorado," said Bentley. "Strong standards are key to Colorado's success as an energy leader, and we support a common sense approach that preserves the leadership of state regulators, protects the rights of property owners, benefits consumers and promotes proven practices for environmental protection."

The CPC is a division of API, which represents all segments of America's oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation's energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.

SOURCE Colorado Petroleum Council