Oil and gas industry opposes stricter environmental bills in Colorado legislature
Business Leaders and Industry Representatives Denounce Environmental Legislation
Business leaders and representatives from Colorado’s petroleum and natural gas industries have come together to denounce a series of proposed legislation that would impose stricter environmental standards and phase out drilling. During a press conference, Kait Schwartz, director of the American Petroleum Institute Colorado, expressed concerns about the harmful impact these ideas could have on the state’s economy and the environment.
Proposed Bills and Their Impact
Two Senate bills, 24-165 and 24-166, aim to tighten emission rules, enforce air quality standards, and impose penalties. Additionally, the state would establish reduction targets for vehicle miles traveled in certain areas and develop policies to assist metropolitan planning organizations in meeting these targets. Another bill, Senate Bill 24-159, introduced last week, seeks to end the issuance of new oil and gas permits by 2030, reduce the number of permits for new wells, and require new permits issued after 2024 to cease operations by 2032.
Fighting Against the Legislation
Dan Haley, president and CEO of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, emphasized the need to fight against these bills and protect Coloradans from the potential increase in energy costs. He highlighted the importance of the U.S. as a global producer of oil and natural gas and emphasized that decisions made in Colorado have far-reaching consequences.
Haley urged the Democrats who introduced the bills to consider the advice of Colorado Democrat U.S. Senator Michael Bennett, who criticized President Joe Biden’s proposed ban on energy exports. Haley also reminded them of the impact of natural gas prices during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Concerns About the Business Climate
J.J. Ament, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns about the negative impact the proposed legislation could have on Colorado’s business climate. He argued that public policy should be based on a thorough cost-and-benefit analysis.
Industry’s Commitment to Environmental Goals
The industry representatives emphasized that they have been working with the state to achieve various environmental goals. Sara Blackhurst, president and CEO of Action Colorado, highlighted Colorado’s high standards and the industry’s continuous efforts to exceed goals. She emphasized that every time a goal is set, it is met and surpassed.
Why do industry representatives believe that stricter environmental standards, such as increased setbacks for oil and gas operations, are unnecessary?
And 24-187, are currently being discussed in the Colorado legislature. Bill 24-165 proposes increasing setbacks for oil and gas operations from homes, schools, and other occupied structures, while Bill 24-187 aims to phase out oil and gas drilling in the state altogether by 2023. These bills have raised serious concerns among business leaders and industry representatives, who argue that they will have devastating consequences for Colorado’s economy and the well-being of its residents.
One of the main issues raised by business leaders is the potential loss of jobs and revenue. The petroleum and natural gas industries are major contributors to Colorado’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and generating significant tax revenue for the state. If these bills were to pass, it is estimated that thousands of jobs would be lost and the state would suffer a significant economic blow.
In addition to the economic impact, industry representatives also argue that stricter environmental standards are unnecessary. They claim that the current regulations are already robust and ensure proper protection of the environment. Requiring greater setbacks for oil and gas operations would limit the areas where drilling can occur, potentially hampering production and decreasing the state’s energy independence.
Furthermore, the proposal to phase out drilling completely by 2023 is seen as unrealistic and extreme. Business leaders argue that oil and gas will continue to be important sources of energy for the foreseeable future, and that a sudden shift away from these industries would be disruptive and harmful to both the state and the country as a whole.
Call for a Balanced Approach
While business leaders and industry representatives are not opposed to environmental protection, they believe that the proposed legislation goes too far. They argue that a more balanced approach is needed, one that takes into consideration both the importance of protecting the environment and the need for economic growth and energy security.
Instead of imposing stricter setbacks and phasing out drilling, industry representatives have proposed alternative solutions that would allow for continued oil and gas production while also addressing environmental concerns. These include investments in technologies to reduce emissions, implementing rigorous monitoring and reporting requirements, and working collaboratively with the state to develop effective regulations that strike a balance between environmental protection and economic growth.
Business leaders and industry representatives are committed to being responsible stewards of the environment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Colorado’s natural resources. They believe that through collaboration and innovation, it is possible to find solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.
In Conclusion
The proposed legislation in Colorado to impose stricter environmental standards and phase out drilling has been met with strong opposition from business leaders and industry representatives. They argue that these bills would have severe economic consequences and are unnecessary given the current regulations in place. Instead, they advocate for a balanced approach that prioritizes both environmental protection and economic growth. By working together and investing in innovation, it is possible to find solutions that benefit all parties involved.
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