Colorado’s House advances oil and gas regulatory bill

Colorado’s House has advanced legislation to bolster local control over oil and gas drilling and change the mission of state regulators of the industry.

Colorado Politics reports lawmakers approved the bill late Thursday. Another vote will send it to the Senate to consider House amendments.

The bill, supported by Gov. Jared Polis, is expected to pass. Democrat supporters control both legislative chambers.

Republicans failed to add a clause to allow petitions for a statewide vote to overturn the initiative if it becomes law.

That would delay possible enactment until after the November 2020 election.

House Speaker KC Becker, the bill’s prime sponsor, says that’s too long to wait.

The bill would let local governments regulate the location of wells. It would also mandate that state regulators emphasize public safety over promoting oil and gas production.