Despite widespread Democrat victories this November, election night was bittersweet for Gov. Bill Ritter as he was forced to watch voters soundly reject Amendment 58, his proposal to impose $321 million in new taxes on Colorado's energy producers.
COLORADO'S FRONTPAGE
Face the State
Content Index: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
Follow this topic by RSSSegment 5 - Natural gas production in Colorado
FTS looks at the state of natural gas production in Colorado, with the help of Richard Ranger of the American Petroleum Institute.
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FTS Humor: Do Not Resuscitate
Face The State Humor
March 20, 2009By Andrew Ripemoff
When I was 16, I worked in a fast food restaurant that shall go unnamed for reasons that will become obvious shortly. One busy afternoon, I spilled a package of french fries on the dirty, disgusting floor. My manager, (my MANAGER mind you), quickly scooped up the scattered spuds and put them in the bag with the rest of the customer’s order.
Segment 4 - Dueling energy protests at the state capitol
Thursday, representatives of Colorado's oil and gas industry, joined by hundreds of energy-sector workers, rallied across the street from the state capitol in opposition to new, stricter rules governing oil and gas production. On the opposite side of the capitol, Gov. Bill Ritter touted his "new energy economy." FTS takes a closer look at the controversy over the state's new drilling regulations.
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Despite bipartisan opposition, Oil and Gas Commission moves forward with new rules
A Face the State Staff Report
March 11, 2009Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have voiced opposition to proposed changes to the state's proposed oil and gas rules. Despite this resistance, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is moving forward with plans to train industry officials and environmental activists about the new, stricter regulations.
Lawmakers call on Ritter to reject new oil and gas rules
A Face the State Staff Report
March 10, 2009At a Monday press conference, a bi-partisan coalition of Colorado lawmakers called on Gov. Bill Ritter to reject new “job killing” oil and gas rules slated for a vote in the House later this week.
After days of testimony, still no vote on oil & gas bill
A Face the State Staff Report
February 19, 2009House Bill 1255, legislation intended to clarify regulations for oil and gas companies, was laid over until at least next week after nearly two days and close to ten hours of testimony from dozens of witnesses.
Segment 4 - Rep. Cory Gardner on property rights
Under new rules adopted by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the state's Division of Wildlife holds an unprecedented role in approving or denying oil and gas drilling permits. Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, has introduced legislation to ensure the DOW cannot hold a unilateral veto power over permits, thereby lowering the value of property held by surface and mineral rights owners.
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Segments 4 and 5 - COGA's John Swartout on new drilling rules
FTS managing editor Brad Jones visits with John Swartout, government affairs director for the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, about the state's new regulations for energy development.
Play audio - 9:13 minutes
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Rep. Judd: 'How could anyone even notice' an energy tax hike?
A Face the State Staff Report
December 18, 2008State Rep. Joel Judd wants to give his constituents a peek into the life of a Colorado lawmaker. Subscribers to his e-mail list recently received a detailed retelling of the Denver Democrat's attendance at a seminar sponsored by the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, after which he questioned the economic model of Colorado's largest industry.
Segment 5 - Colorado's new oil and gas regulations
How will the new production and permitting rules adopted by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission affect the state's economy and energy industry? FTS managing editor Brad Jones summarizes the issue.
Play audio - 6:03 minutes
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New energy regulations come as industry cuts production, jobs
A Face the State Staff Report
December 12, 2008Just one day after members of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission adopted the most comprehensive drilling regulations in the nation, EnCana announced that it plans to cut the number of natural gas rigs it operates in the Piceance Basin in half next year.
Oil & gas lobby digs in for battle over rules
November 17, 2008FTS Humor: When your goose is cooked
Face The State Humor
July 3, 2008By Andrew Ripemoff
Centuries ago, in a distant land called Colorado, a kind and beloved leader named King Owens ruled the countryside. Life was good in the Kingdom, where off in a small corner of the grounds of the monarchy's vast estate worked a humble man, tending to a lone goose. But this wasn’t an ordinary goose. This was a goose who laid golden eggs - pure gold in fact.
Oil Commission Hearing Sees Schwartz's Snowmass "Chalets" v. McNulty's Burbs
A Face the State Staff Report
June 24, 2008Hundreds of people, including several state lawmakers, turned out to Denver's Paramount theater Monday for the the first day of a week-long rulemaking hearing by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. While "balance" and "reasonable" were the buzzwords of the day, the debate quickly heated up on how to craft energy policy that would protect both jobs and the environment.
GOP goes on offensive regarding $4 gas
A Face the State Staff Report
June 23, 2008As gas prices reach an all-time high in Colorado — with the average price hitting $4 a gallon for the first time Thursday — local Republicans are charging that Democrats controlling state government are to blame in part due to their continued alienation of the energy industry.
In 2008, It's Enviros v. Energy
A Face the State Staff Report
May 16, 2008Fresh off their victory over Colorado's once thriving timber industry, environmental activists in recent years have set their eyes on a new target: The state's oil and gas industry.