Gov. Hickenlooper Announces Members of Oil and Gas Task Force to Address Local Control and Land Use Issues
Press Release
Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced the members of the task force that will address land use issues and the role of state and local government in siting oil and gas facilities. The governor created the task force as part of a compromise to avoid a divisive and costly campaign fight this fall over ballot issues that could damage Colorado's economy and its collaborative approach to environmental regulation.
"Critical to the success and effectiveness of this task force is ensuring there is balanced and informed representation," said Gov. Hickenlooper. "We are confident that the task force members we have assembled to take on these critically important issues for our state are exactly the right group to ensure that Colorado's economy and environment remain healthy and robust. We are grateful to all of these board members for their willingness to work together to help find the right solution for Colorado. And we are grateful to the many applicants who submitted their names for consideration."
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The task force is charged with crafting recommendations to help minimize land use conflicts that can occur when siting oil and gas facilities near homes, schools, businesses and recreational areas. Nearly 300 people from various industries, environmental organizations, and civic leader from around the state applied.
The 19-member task force is chaired by La Plata County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt and Randy Cleveland, president of XTO Energy, Inc. and represents the broad interests of those involved in responsible oil and gas development including members of the oil and gas industry, agricultural industry, the home building industry, the conservation community, local governments and civic leaders.
The group will begin meeting immediately and its anticipated that recommendations would be ready in March 2015. The task force has the power to make recommendations to the governor and legislature with a two-thirds majority, or issue majority and minority opinions.
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