New Colorado Oil & Gas Law Already Impacting Industry
Shaun Boyd, Denver CBS Local, September 25, 2019
Climate activists demonstrated outside a hearing where the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is implementing a new law that makes sweeping changes to how drilling is regulated. The industry is already feeling the impact of that law. Five months after the law took effect, drilling permits are down 60% from what they’ve averaged over the last decade, one operator has declared bankruptcy, and 10 local communities have passed moratoriums on new drilling.
Our Take: In only five months…Policy impacts investment! While in NM, where the industry is thriving: Oil industry group starts $1M fund for community projects.
Fracking Ban Rhetoric Might Appeal to Woke Left But It’s A Loser For America
Dan Eberhart, Forbes, September 23, 2019
With the 2020 presidential election around the corner, Democrat candidates are laying out what they hope is a winning platform on energy. Climate change is playing a leading role with both MSNBC and CNN hosting major climate forums. In their zeal to cater to the radical wing of the party’s base, many candidates – Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris among them – are calling for a total ban on the use of hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas production on public and private lands. While a fracking ban might win some votes among environmental activists, it’s a guaranteed loser for America’s economy, energy security – and for efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Climate policies that reject the benefits of natural gas will do more harm than good Sure, casting the oil and gas industry in the role of climate villain resonates with the party’s woke activists. What it won’t do is reduce carbon emissions.
YK Delta tribal consortium withdraws support for Donlin Gold mine
Krysti Shallenberger, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Bethel, September 25, 2019
The Association of Village Council Presidents no longer supports the proposed Donlin Gold mine. The decision came after two hours of passionate debate Wednesday, during the organization’s annual convention. Delegates from the 56 tribes that AVCP represents overwhelmingly voted to withdraw a 2006 resolution supporting the mine, and then voted to pass a separate resolution that opposes it. There were forty-one delegates attending the convention.
Our Take: We hope that the Council will remain open to reversing this opposition. The economic opportunities for the region should not be underestimated and Donlin has proven to be a great partner in the region already – working responsibly and safely to advance the project and providing jobs and other benefits for the region.
