Reaction at the state capitol to work of the Oil and Gas Task Force was decidedly mixed. Members of the governor's own party called the effort a failure, one lawmaker even graded it an "F+."
The proposed recommendations are intended to mitigate the impacts of energy development near communities. While the task force wants local governments to be more involved in developing large drill sites, it stopped short of allowing cities and counties to adopt rules stricter than the state standards.
With the final nine recommendations to hit Governor John Hickenlooper's desk Feb. 27, what are his thoughts on the group's work and the backlash?
Interview Highlights With Governor Hickenlooper
On Backlash Labeling The Task Force's Work A 'Failure'
"That's absurd. You know they had pre-decided what they wanted the outcome to be. We assembled civic leaders, Republicans, Democrats, even numbers of everybody…We tasked them, should local communities have veto control? That's taking someone's property. Somebody paid money for those leases 30 years ago before homes ever got close."
On Future Anti-Fracking Statewide Ballot Initiatives
"I think if something does go to the ballot box it will have a much harder time passing, just because so much of what people cared about is being addressed and will be addressed."
On Whether Local Control Over Drilling Is Still In Limbo
"I think the civic leadership of this state said that's not the right solution. To say they didn't resolve it, is inaccurate. They did resolve it."
