H.B. 1341 was passed by the Colorado legislature this spring and signed by Governor Ritter on May 29th 2007.

CONCERNING THE COLORADO OIL AND GAS COMMISSION, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, DIRECTING THE COMMISSION TO FOSTER OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT CONSISTENT WITH THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WILDLIFE RESOURCES, AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION THEREFOR.

Key Points

• Sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Curry and Sen. Jim Isgar. 
• 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.

What a Yes/No Vote Means

A Yes Vote is for changing the COGCC to ensure the commission is no longer dominated by industry representatives.

A No Vote is for leaving the COGCC the same as it is currently, with five members representing the oil and gas industry. 

Read the full text of H.B. 1341 here.