Elections matter. This is a refrain that has never had more meaning in Colorado than during this past legislative session. The 2018 election brought in a wave of progressive Democrats who took control of the Capitol with an ambitious agenda. They were ready to pass legislation affecting insurance, healthcare, employee/employer relationships, drug pricing, family leave, landlord tenant relationships, climate change and more.  With the trifecta control of the Capitol—the House, Senate, and Governor’s office—the Democratic Party was in charge and their agenda was put into motion. 

Like many years past, there was a great deal of legislative attention paid to oil and gas development. Given the number of bills introduced, having a split House and Senate ensured that legislation which emerges successfully only happens when both sides of the aisle have properly vetted the issues and have reached compromise and agreement. 
 
The Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA) participated in and led several bills of note this legislative session.

​As we look back at the 2017 legislative session, it is important to consider both the societal and legislative pressures that guided this year’s bill-making season.
 
The Dakota Access Pipeline Issue, the tragic events in Firestone and Mead, all put focus on the safety and regulation of the oil and gas industry in Colorado. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are looking for answers on how best to manage and foster the development of these resources. Below is a recap of some of the oil and gas related bills considered at the Capitol in 2017:  

​The Colorado General Assembly is controlled by two caucuses that are as different as night is from day except in one respect; dedication to their “cause.” Each chamber’s majority—Democrats in the House, Republicans in the Senate—run their agenda through this filter. This difference, in Colorado as it was across the country, was expressed in very predictable ways. This basic dynamic played itself out on multiple fronts: energy, banking, agriculture, and construction, to name a few. The upside to having opposite parties in control of each house is that the legislation that passes is vetted, finds compromise, and meets the expectations of both sides of the aisle. 

The 2014 election saw changes to our state government.  While Governor John Hickenlooper (D) was elected for a second term, there was quite a bit of turn over at the State Legislature, with 27 new members in the House and Senate.  Plus, the Republicans took control of the Senate while the Democrats maintained their majority in the House.  Most of the 2015 session centered on how to pass a balanced budget as required by the state constitution, while also resolving the political complications of the budget and general business bills.  While it was generally quiet regarding oil and gas bills and we were able to talk about the industry as part of the larger business community in Colorado, there were a few bills that caught our interest.