ACP Pubs

Loren Faulkner

Colorado’s Proposal Could Cost Californians $4.5 Billion
June 9, 2008

Colorado is considering a big cut-back in drilling for natural gas and oil in that state. Governor Bill Ritter has said he is trying to strike a balance between the energy needs of consumers and protecting Colorado’s landscapes, water and air, public health, and wildlife. Public input will be forthcoming, with new regulations set to be in place by this November.

The Rocky Mountain News www.rockymountainnews.com (March 31, 2008)  reported:
 

The new rules spring from legislation passed last year in the wake of concerns from hunters, landowners, local governments and environmental groups that the industry's rapid growth was damaging wildlife habitat, overwhelming public infrastructure, polluting the air, threatening water supplies and - in the view of those living in the gas fields - jeopardizing public health. 

It also said that in 2007, Colorado had 6,400 new applications for drilling permits, and some 6,850 applications so far this year.

The oil and gas industry counters that reduced natural gas production will be expensive.

A study just released by ICF International says U.S. consumers could pay some  $32 billion more for natural gas next decade if the proposal to curtail oil and natural gas drilling in Colorado are put into effect. The study also concludes: “…the news is especially grim in California – (Gov.) Ritter's rules would cost consumers there $4.5 billion, the most in the nation.”

The entire ICF study can be reviewed at: www.americansforamericanenergy.com

Posted by Loren Faulkner on June 9, 2008 | Comments (1)