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What's Next Politically For Oil & Gas In Colorado?

Stephen Butler
/
Flickr - Creative Commons

Governor John Hickenlooper's oil and gas task force recently proposed nine recommendations to try and easy concerns for people living near energy development, but it did not vote to give local communities more control over oil and gas drilling.

The big question on everyone's mind now: What's next for the state Legislature and for a possible anti-fracking initiative going before voters in 2016?

Many state lawmakers were waiting on recommendations before introducing energy related bills – which means there could be more action at the statehouse now in terms of oil and gas.

To find some insight into what could possibly happen under the gold dome, we turn to Ivan Moreno of The Associated Press and Peter Marcus of The Durango Herald.

Conversation Highlights

Ivan Moreno, Associated Press: "Democrats who have been vocal about wanting to have more local control over this activity, they may propose some legislation there. But it's going to be a challenge because at the end of the day Republicans still control the Senate, and they have said repeatedly that there's no need for more regulations."

Peter Marcus, Durango Herald: "I think it's important to also point out the tenacity of the anti-fracking crowd. We keep talking about U.S. Representative Jared Polis and his funding the initiatives. With or without Polis' money, these so-called fracktivists are going to be going to the ballot."

Bente Birkeland has been reporting on state legislative issues for KUNC and Rocky Mountain Community Radio since 2006. Originally, from Minnesota, Bente likes to hike and ski in her spare time. She keeps track of state politics throughout the year but is especially busy during the annual legislative session from January through early May.
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