DENVER—Lawmakers are changing course on a bill that would delay new oil and gas regulations.
A hearing set for Monday before the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee was canceled because the bill by Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, was being sent to another committee. A new hearing will be scheduled.
The rules approved by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Committee implement two laws requiring more weight be given to the environment, wildlife and public health and safety when considering oil and gas development.
Brophy questioned the original assignment of his bill. The State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee is considered highly partisan and where bills are frequently sent by the majority party to be killed.
Democrats control both the Senate and House.
Brophy and other opponents of the new oil and gas rules argue the new rules would burden an industry already struggling with the faltering economy. They say the rules would cost the state jobs and tax revenue.
Supporters say the rules are needed to deal with the impacts of record energy development. They argue that plummeting natural gas and oil prices, a tight credit market and an inadequate number of pipelines to ship the oil and gas to market lack are to blame for a slowdown in the industry.
