- An Alliance For Community Action
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Support House Bill 1355 – Local Control over Oil and Gas Activities
Support House Bill 1355 – Local Control over Oil and Gas Activities
This bill would reaffirm the ability of local governments to exercise land use authority over oil and gas development within their jurisdiction. This common-sense idea is currently contested by both the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the oil and gas industry.
Affected homeowners and local governments deserve a meaningful say in where oil and gas facilities are located, especially when it will impact neighborhoods, watersheds, or other land uses.
All other industries must get local approval for where they develop their facilities; oil and gas is the only exception to that rule.
This bill will ensure that the oil and gas industry is treated like any other large-scale industrial development. Read the full bill text here.
WCC supports this bill because even in industry-friendly counties on the Western Slope, we have been able to work with our local governments to win greater protections for our communities. This bill would enhance our ability to do this.
HB 1355 cleared the first legislative hurdle on Monday when it passed out of committee on a 5-4 vote. Now we need to pass it in the full House!
Help ensure that impacted local people have a say in where oil and gas development is (and is not) appropriate in their neighborhoods. Contact your state Representatives today and ask for their support!
Emily stepped up as our staff director in 2017, but originally joined our team as a community organizer in 2013. Born and raised on the Western Slope, Emily graduated from Colorado State University and then had the privilege of learning from and working alongside organizers in Central and South America as well as Appalachian coal country. They returned to their home state to protect the land they love and work with fellow Coloradans for a healthy, just and self-reliant future for our rural communities. Emily enjoys organizing, exploring the Colorado Plateau, country music and punk concerts with equal passion.