HOUSE DEMOCRATS REACT TO MARTINEZ V. COGCC RULING

(Jan. 14) – This morning, the Colorado Supreme Court released their ruling on Martinez v. Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). The Supreme Court reversed a Court of Appeals decision that the COGCC must condition oil and gas operations on ensuring protection of health, safety, and environment. Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder and Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, chair of the Energy & Environment Committee, released the following statements:

“Communities in every corner of our state want to know that their health and safety are being prioritized when it comes to oil and gas operations. This ruling puts the decision back into the hands of lawmakers to take action and we are committed to addressing this concern this legislative session,” said Speaker KC Becker.

House Democrats have passed bills in recent years to address the health and safety concerns around oil and gas operations in Colorado. Most of these bills died in the formerly Republican-controlled Senate.

“I am frustrated with this ruling, and I share the concerns of my constituents who are worried about protecting our air and water. At the legislature, we will continue working together to protect the health and safety of all Coloradans when it comes to oil and gas operations,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson.

The ruling can be found here.