Ad targets lawmakers after oil and gas bill passes Colorado Senate

Election season has come and gone, but political ads are making a comeback as a controversial oil and gas bill makes its way through the General Assembly.

The newest commercial, sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute, raises questions about new legislation looking to restrict oil and gas drilling across the state.

According to the FCC, the organization has spent more than $667,000 on ads in March alone.

The latest one points out that last fall Coloradans went to the ballot box and voted against prop 112. That proposition focused on giving the state authority, whereas this new bill focuses on giving local communities power. Political analyst Josh Dunn further explains it.

“Proposition 112 focused more on increasing the setbacks that the oil and gas industry would have to follow so there would have to be more distance between oil development and oil,” he said.

Supporters say it’s time for health and safety to be put first, but others say the bill is being rushed through the Senate by Democrats excited by a majority in the House and Senate.

“I think a lot of Democrats feel that this is their one chance to actually push forward the Christmas list that they have,” said Republican Rep. Dave Williams.

Republicans didn’t take it lying down, even resorting to filibustering on the Senate floor to postpone voting. Though, nothing seems to be slowing it down so far.

The bill will now go before the House.

Last time it appeared before a committee hearing, testimony lasted until 2 a.m. with a heated debate from both side of the aisle.