The Colorado Oil & Gas Association President & CEO, Dan Haley, testified Thursday in opposition to Senate Bill 159, which would effectively ban all oil and gas development, driving the industry out of Colorado.
SB 159, also known as ‘The Ban Bill’, would cease the issuing of new oil and gas permits after January 1, 2030. The bill would also apply to permits needed to modify old wells to increase production. Wells falling under permits issued between the enactment of the bill and January 1, 2030, must begin drilling before the end of 2032.
Haley shared the story of industry employee Elvis and spoke about how this legislation would negatively impact Elvis’ livelihood and the tens of thousands of Coloradans employed in our industry.
“We would love to have you out where you can meet men and women like Elvis,” Haley said. “At Liberty (Energy), Elvis' crew helped him learn English and he found a sense of belonging, I think something we've all found in our lives.”
Haley continues sharing the story of how the oil and gas industry created opportunities for Elvis and his family.
“He had the opportunity to leave his home country of Venezuela in 2017, and he came to the United States,” Haley said. “His story is not that different from the story of my great-grandparents, and perhaps we have more.”
Haley reiterated how the industry creates jobs and energy security for workers from Colorado and in the case of Elvis, other countries.
“Please reject this bill and do it today,” Haley said. “Do not lay this bill over, as we urge you might do. This bill has been languishing in the capital for weeks.”
According to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the consequences of SB 159 extend far beyond the energy sector, targeting workers employed directly or indirectly by the industry.
The Chamber also noted that overall, Colorado’s oil and gas industry supports more than 303,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes more than $48 billion towards the state economy each year.
The Crude Life is asking anyone in Colorado interested in contacting their elected official and representative, to click here and let your voice be heard!
Everyday your story is being told by someone. Who is telling your story? Who are you telling your story to?
Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.
#thecrudelife promotes a culture of inclusion and respect through interviews, content creation, live events and partnerships that educate, enrich, and empower people to create a positive social environment for all, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability.
MORE FROM THE CRUDE LIFE
Please click that ♡ button, share, and subscribe.
Please share the links on social media.
Thank you thank you thank you for your engagement and support.
f you have a news tip, press release, guest suggestion or other content concepts, please email thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This post was brought to you in part by one of The Crude Life’s fantastic sponsors, please consider supporting their services or learning more about their organization by clicking on the banner below.
Transform your safety training with Shepherd VR – The Future is Here! Dive into a new era of learning with our groundbreaking VR modules, designed to enhance retention and reduce workplace accidents.
Leveraging over a decade of industry expertise in mining and oil, Shepherd VR combines neuroscience and psychology with our innovative FIT methodology to revolutionize safety training. Experience the difference, elevate your training program, and see astounding results.
Ready to make safety training more effective and engaging? Visit www.shepherd.fit and join the discussion on LinkedIn for the latest updates!
COGA Testifies in Opposition to Senate Bill 159