Oil, gas industry wants to split up proposed rules overhaul

DENVER - Oil and gas companies want Colorado regulators to limit the proposals they're considering as they update regulations amid record natural gas development in the state.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Association trade group says there's not enough time to adequately study and respond to all the rules proposed by state staffers. The group is asking that some rules be considered this spring and summer and others be looked at later.

The state Oil and Gas Commission will rule on the group's request May 22nd.

The proposed rules would implement two laws passed last year to give more weight to public health, wildlife and the environment when making decisions about oil and gas development. Environmentalists and other opponents of narrowing the scope of regulations say that an update of regulations is overdue.