Oil And Gas: Local Control Proposal Goes Too Far, Industry Group Says

An energy industry group says proposed rules to give local governments a say in the location of new oil and gas wells go too far.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Association said Wednesday the proposals would require more than a state task force intended when it suggested the rules.

State regulators have just begun drawing up rules to implement the recommendations. Public hearings are scheduled in November.

The proposals would give local governments a consulting role in the location of large oil and gas facilities if they're near urban areas. Cities and counties wouldn't be able to enforce their own rules.

The changes were recommended by a task force convened by Gov. John Hickenlooper to address tension over hydraulic fracturing and conflicts that arise when expanding cities and growing oilfields overlap.