Highlights from the Legislature on Thursday:
— The Colorado House tentatively approved about 100 new rules for the oil and gas industry over objections from Republicans, who warn that the rules could cripple one of the state’s biggest industries. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission drew up the rules at the direction of the Legislature, which wanted more protections for public health, private property and the environment. The rules (House Bill 1292) are scheduled to take effect next month if the Legislature approves them.
— The House tentatively approved a bill that would require home sellers to provide buyers with the home’s utility history over the previous 12 months. Opponents said the bill violates the privacy rights of homeowners who already have the right to negotiate details of home sales. The bill (House Bill 1247) faces a third reading before it goes to the Senate.
— The House gave initial approval to a bill (House Bill 1164) that would require proceeds from the sale of breast cancer prevention license plates go to breast cancer prevention after lawmakers learned that none of the money went for breast cancer. The bill must pass a third reading before it goes to the Senate.
— The Senate readopted a measure (Senate Bill 91) making it easier for car dealers to sell competing lines of vehicles. The practice is called “dualing,” and dealers say auto manufacturers are reluctant to allow it even as sales have dropped. The Senate had to readopt the bill because of changes made in the House. It now heads to the governor.
— Robert Kennedy Jr. joined Gov. Bill Ritter and Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, at a new energy expo outside the Capitol. Kennedy said Colorado has shown the best leadership in the country on renewable energy.
