DB2D8C4D5CC714EB872582490079790C Hearing Summary

The committee came back to order.

Representative Buck, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1150. The bill provides for the compensation of a royalty owner when a local ordinance, resolution, or other policy prohibits the practice of hydraulic fracturing to recover oil and gas within a local government's jurisdiction, or places a moratorium on oil and gas activities. The local government is liable to the mineral interest owner for the value of the mineral interest not received due to the prohibition or moratorium. The bill also requires that a local government that enacts a moratorium on oil and gas activities compensate oil and gas operators, mineral lessees, and royalty owners for all costs, damages, and losses of fair market value associated with the moratorium.

Representative Buck answered questions from the committee.

Kevin Lynch, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. He answered questions from the committee.

Mr. Lynch responded to comments from Representative Buck. Committee discussion with Mr. Lynch ensued.

Phil Ross, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Shaina Oliver, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Michelle Smith, Vital for Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Morgan Cullen, Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill.

Neil Ray, Colorado Alliance of Mineral and Royalty Owners, testified in support of the bill. He provided a handout to the committee [Attachment B]. Mr. Ray answered questions from the committee.

Mark Ruzzin, Boulder County, testified in opposition to the bill. He answered questions from the committee.

Jim Cole, Colorado Oil and Gas Association, testified in support of the bill. He answered questions from the committee.

Brandy DeLange, Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in opposition to the bill.

Representative Buck made concluding remarks about the bill. Committee members made comments about the bill.