GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO – Today the Colorado Senate passed SB 181 on a party line vote and sent the bill to Gov. Polis’ desk.

The legislation threatens billions in economic activity and thousands of Coloradans who rely on energy development to support their families. Despite Democrats’ claim that SB 181 would not result in an effective ban or moratorium, the legislation has already forced the postponement COGCC hearings this month.

Colorado GOP Chairman Ken Buck released the following statement in response to the passage of SB 181:

“SB 181 is simply the first wave of the Green New Deal and a transparent effort by Democrats to shut down Colorado’s energy industry. Despite voters overwhelmingly rejecting a defacto ban on energy development last November, Democrats rammed this legislation through without a single Republican vote in either chamber.

“Make no mistake, if Democrats get away with this attack on oil and gas they will undoubtedly target other vital industries that support tens of thousands of jobs for working Coloradans.

“Colorado Republicans will work with voters of both parties to hold Democrat legislators accountable for their blatant overreach.”

###

BACKGROUND:

ICYMI, this is regulatory certainty under #SB181 @SteveFenberg: This bill won’t stop industry overnight@bouldercounty: April COGCC meetings are cancelled
@aurorasentinel: Suspend all oil drilling permits in Aurora@adamscountygov: Already did that 2 wks ago#copolitics #coleg pic.twitter.com/Pr8ZGPwk0m

— Vital for Colorado (@VitalforColo) April 3, 2019

With the oil and gas bill on its way to @GovofCO Polis, the COGCC has put off hearings scheduled for this month. A proposed drilling plan from Crestone Peak Resources for Boulder County was on the docket, but has been postponed. #KUNCNewscast pic.twitter.com/qnYs2JNxUx

— KUNC Colorado (@KUNC) April 3, 2019

That was fast. @bouldercounty says state regulators are putting a hold on the proposed Crestone oil and gas project based on the today’s passage of #SB181 “until the effects of those changes are understood and implemented.” #copolitics #coleg #9News

— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) April 3, 2019

A gaffe is when a politician accidentally tells the truth.
WATCH @kcbecker on #SB181: “Because those local governments are going to push ‘em out of their—out of their communities…[3-second pause]…and they can’t under this bill. Just arbitrarily…”#copolitics #coleg pic.twitter.com/AUa7dDoKYr

— Vital for Colorado (@VitalforColo) March 29, 2019