Colorado regulators defend proposed oil, gas rules

DENVER - The battle over new rules for Colorado's oil and gas industry continues — this time at the state Capitol where regulators are defending the rules against claims that they are aggravating energy companies' problems amid a recession.

A legislative committee looking at ways to jump-start the economy heard Friday from the state Department of Natural Resources which said the rules were developed over 18 months with significant input from the industry. Department director Harris Sherman says plunging natural gas prices and a lack of pipeline capacity are bigger factors than the proposed rules.

The Legislature passed bills in 2007 requiring more consideration of environmental and health issues when oil and gas development is approved. If passed by lawmakers, the rules would take effect April 1.

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