DENVER—A measure that can help create jobs in Colorado’s energy economy received final approval in the House of Representatives this week, despite objections from Democrats and fringe environmental groups.
“Colorado’s economy can use a boost right now,” said bill sponsor Rep. Ray Scott, R-Grand Junction. “Times are especially tough on the Western Slope, largely because of government imposed regulations on the oil and gas industry.”
With House Bill 1223, the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission would include eleven members who are appointed by the governor, including two non-voting members: the executive directors of the department of natural resources and the executive director of the department of public health and environment. The measure provides geographic diversity and specifies that at least five members have experience in oil and gas.
The bill also ensures that there will be one member who has experience in environmental or wildlife protection, one who has experience in soil conservation or reclamation, one local government official, and one person in agriculture who is also a royalty member.
HB 1223 prohibits that any more than five members be from the same party.
“This is an important measure that can help get our economy back on track,” added Scott.
The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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