DENVER (AP) – Some local governments are asking Colorado regulators to recognize their authority to restrict oil and gas drilling near waterways.
Torie Jarvis of the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments made the request Monday to the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
The council represents 22 towns and Eagle, Grand, Jackson, Pitkin and Summit counties. Jarvis said local government rules might be stricter than the state’s.
The commission is reviewing proposals to limit spills during floods and could vote later Monday. Commissioners didn’t indicate whether they would include language acknowledging local authority.
Proposals drawn up by oil and gas commission staff don’t address where wells can be located, only steps that must be taken to limit flood damage.
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A 2013 flood in Colorado caused spills of 91,000 gallons of oil and contaminated water.
By Dan Elliott
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