Colorado Inspecting Energy Rules
Democratic candidate John Hickenlooper and Scott Mcinnis, GOP have vowed that they are going to revamp tougher oil and gas regulations that went into effect last year. The mayor of Denver told executives in the energy industry that some of the rules the duo is pushing may not be necessary. They are working toward strict rules on pit liners and the requirements to pump water back into the ground.
Hickenlooper, is a former geologist and said that the new rules were in part responsible for the decline in drilling and loss of jobs in the area over the past three years. Although, he did say it was just one of many factors. Mcinnis stated that he would oppose any new legislation or revisions to the rules that don’t promote responsible sources of energy.
He also stated that the recent spill in the Gulf of Mexico was the direct result of negligence on the part of the government and the industry. He also said that the state needs experts on the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission not people that have extreme political views. He cited those environmentalists that want more regulations instead of jobs.