Gov. Polis signs Democrats' sweeping oil and gas bill into law, marking major shift in regulatory

Gov. Polis signs Democrats’ sweeping oil and gas bill into law, marking major shift in regulatory authority over drilling


Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday signed into law a sweeping oil and gas regulation bill that faced stiff opposition from Republicans and the industry as it made its way through the Colorado legislature.

“Today, with the signing of this bill, it is our hope that the oil and gas wars that have enveloped our state are over,” Polis said before signing Senate Bill 181 in his Capitol office. “Let me be clear: This bill gives the industry and residents certainty and comfort and Colorado will be the better for it.”

He was flanked by activists and lawmakers who pushed for the legislation. Notably, several members of the oil and gas industry were also present for the bill signing, including representatives from Extraction Oil & Gas, Evergreen Natural Resources and SRC Energy.

The new law is a major shift in regulatory authority over drilling in Colorado, directing state officials to focus primarily on health and safety when approving new oil and gas permits. Before, regulators were mandated to foster development of the $32 billion industry.

Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2019/04/16/senate-bill-181-oil-gas-law-colorado-signed/