Backers defend energy rules

Posted by egable on June 25th, 2008 filed in Energy development

On the second day of public hearings on Colorado’s proposed energy regulations, supporters of the new rules accused industry of exaggerating their cost, the Associated Press reports.

Yesterday’s hearing focused on proposed wildlife protections that would require energy companies to protect key species such as mule deer and sage grouse or stop operations for 90 days during wintering and mating seasons, according to the Denver Post. Companies could avoid the timing restrictions by limiting the number of rigs at a site or developing a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impact on wildlife.

Meanwhile, state and federal agencies are arguing over whther the new rules will apply on federal lands or not. The Bureau of Land Management says the new rules won’t apply, but the Colorado Department of Natural Resources believes otherwise, the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reports.