Colorado Petroleum Council: Supreme Court Decision Good For The State Economy And Consumers

Colorado Petroleum Council Executive Director Tracee Bentley welcomed the decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to uphold the state’s primacy in overseeing oil and natural gas permitting. The decision curtails arbitrary bans on hydraulic fracturing that could cost local jobs, deprive state and local governments of much-needed tax revenues, and limit access to critical energy resources.

“Today’s decision protects private property rights, which are a main driver for the energy renaissance in this country. The U.S. was counted out as an oil and natural gas superpower, but with states like Colorado leading the way, the U.S. defied the odds to become the world’s largest producer of natural gas and a world leader in crude production.

 “Energy development has been a driver of economic growth in Colorado. More than a thousand businesses spread across the state are part of the larger oil and natural gas supply chain. Vast supplies of clean, affordable natural gas unleashed by hydraulic fracturing have allowed natural gas to produce much more of American’s electricity. This has been the largest contributor to the U.S. leading the world in reducing carbon emissions.

“Effective energy policy results when regulators and stakeholders work together to ensure safe development. Colorado is a leader nationwide. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission ensures participation and input from all stakeholders relying on scientific data and expertise for safe and responsible development of Colorado’s oil and natural gas resources."

The Colorado Petroleum Council is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 650 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.