Chieftain quoted energy company's criticism, but no other view of state oil and gas panel's proposed rules

Summary: The Pueblo Chieftain reported that an energy company executive described the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's proposed energy development rules as " 'industry killers,' claiming that many of the proposed regulations could put him out of business." But the article reported no remarks or comments about the regulations from supporters or from members of the commission.

Reporting on June 1 that "[t]he Trinidad and Las Animas Chamber of Commerce has chartered two buses to take interested parties to Grand Junction next month when the state will devote an entire day to public comment on the newly proposed oil and gas rules," The Pueblo Chieftain cited an energy company's criticism of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's proposed rule changes but provided no other perspective.

The article by Tammy Alhadef noted that "[t]he Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission released a draft of the new rules in March creating a backlash from the oil and gas industry and those whose livelihoods depend on it." The Chieftain further reported criticism of the commission's proposal:

Jay Still, vice president of Pioneer Natural Resources, calls the rules "industry killers," claiming that many of the proposed regulations could put him out of business in Las Animas County. Many in the community fought for the public comment hearing to be held in Las Animas County, where the biggest employers are oil and gas.

Despite reporting Still's characterization of the rule changes as "industry killers," the article failed to provide a response to his criticism from the state panel or from any supporters of the proposed rules.

—C.H.