American Petroleum Institute analysis says Sanders' fracking bans would devastate Colorado economy

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has called for an immediate ban on fracking and the end of drilling on federal lands as a way to combat global climate change, a message that resonated in Colorado, where he won Tuesday’s Democratic presidential primary.

But the American Petroleum Institute argues that Sanders’ policies, if implemented, would deal a crushing blow to the Colorado economy, eliminating 353,218 jobs or nearly 5% of the total in the state.

That might explain why the industry is breathing a little easier after former Vice President Joe Biden’s strong performance on Tuesday. Biden’s campaign, although it has at times called for a fracking ban, has advocated tighter regulations, especially on methane emissions, and a more gradual transition.

“He has a more nuanced approach,” said Mike Sommers, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, on a visit to Denver on Thursday.

Read more: https://www.dailycamera.com/2020/03/06/colorado-american-petroleum-institute-analysis-fracking-bans/
(Boulder Daily Camera)