Some out-of-touch legislators are now pushing to enact a bill that would end much of the state’s natural gas production. SB 181 would make it very difficult – if not impossible – for natural gas and oil development to continue in the state on any significant scale. There would be quite a few working families that would be devastated as a consequence. We would also lose hundreds of millions of dollars for schools, transportation, and other government infrastructure.

The economic losses from this bill should be evident, but there is also an environmental component to consider. The loss of so much natural gas production would harm U.S. efforts to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. That is something that is overlooked in the debate over SB 181.

The rationale behind this bill is one of public and environmental safety. But sponsors ignore the numerous recent regulatory changes that have strengthened Colorado’s energy rules. We have some of the strictest regulations in the nation governing energy production. The idea that we need the extreme measures in SB 181 to protect the public or the environment is absurd.

Legislators need to consider the big picture when deliberating on SB 181. Then they need to say “no” to this radical proposal.

Senator Larry Crowder

Senate District 35