The United States has been making waves in the oil and gas industry thanks to large increases in production across various states like Texas, North Dakota, and Alaska. Not on the list of the top five oil-producing states is Colorado. And yet, it’s the state that everyone is talking about. Here’s why. Colorado legislators recently began working to advance a bill that would change the focus of the state’s oil and gas regulations. Under current legislation, the number one priority of industry regulators is energy production. The new legislation, however, lists the number one priority as human health and environmental protection. Under this legislation, the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission would be entirely reorganized to better reflect the reorganized priority list. The bill calls for a reduction in the number of oil and gas industry representatives on the commission, as well as the required addition of experts in public health and environmental protection. Some legislators are worried that the the bill is moving too quickly, lessening the chances of debate between parties and input from industry officials. The bill was introduced last Friday (March 1st, 2019) and is expected to be heard today (March 5th, 2019) — so quickly that many have labeled it’s speed “unprecedented.” Interest groups on both sides expressed frustration at not being able to review the bill prior to its introduction. The Colorado Petroleum Council and the Colorado Oil & Gas Association have urged careful review and consideration of the bill due to its inherent complexity and widespread impact. Both organizations believe that there was not enough time to adequately review and evaluate the bill at a level that is consistent with the changes it would invoke. Visit http://robertbensh.net/whats-going-on-with-colorado-oil-and-gas/ to finish reading.