Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Act (H.B. 1298)

• Sponsored by Rep. Dan Gibbs and Sen. Lois Tochtrop.
• Directs the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to "plan and manage oil and gas operations in a manner that balances development with wildlife conservation in recognition of the state's obligation to protect wildlife resources and the hunting, fishing, and recreation tradition they support"
• Relies on existing law providing that wildlife and habitat "are to be protected, preserved, enhanced, and managed for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the people of this state and its visitors."
• Directs the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to avoid and minimize impacts to wildlife resources affected by oil and gas operations by:
  • Establishing a timely and efficient procedure for consultation with the Wildlife Commission and Division of Wildlife on decision-making that impacts wildlife.
  • Implementing, wherever reasonably practicable, best management practices and other reasonable measures.
  • In consultation with the Wildlife Commission, establishing standards for minimizing adverse impacts to wildlife affected by oil and gas operations and ensure proper reclamation.
  • Encouraging operators to utilize comprehensive drilling plans and geographic area analysis strategies to provide for orderly development of oil and gas fields.
  • Minimizing surface disturbance and fragmentation in important wildlife habitat by incorporating best management practices.
• This act took effect July 1, 2007

Read a copy of Colorado House Bill 1298

Colorado House Bill 1341

• Sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Curry and Sen. Jim Isgar.
• Summary - changes the COGCC to ensure the commission is no longer dominated by industry representatives.
• Modifies the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission as follows:
  • Increases the number of members of the Commission from seven to nine.
  • Specifies that the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources and the department of Public Health and Environment are ex officio members.
  • Decreases the number of members who must have substantial experience in the oil and gas industry from five to three.
  • Requires one member to be a local government official.
  • Requires one member to have expertise in environment or wildlife protection.
  • Requires one member to have expertise in soil conservation or reclamation.
  • Requires one member to be actively engaged in agricultural production and be a mineral royalty owner.

• Specifies that the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission may make and enforce rules restricting production in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare, including the protection of the environmental wildlife resources.

Read a copy of Colorado House Bill 1341