655974F2AD74BB8C87258273006B8FFB Hearing Summary

Representative Buck, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-192. 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.

Commissioner Jim Zwetzig, Morgan County and Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in opposition to the bill. He provided three handouts to the committee [Attachments A to C]. Commissioner Zwetzig answered questions from the committee.

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

Michael Bellmont, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Jack Luellen, Colorado Bar Association, testified in opposition to the bill. He answered questions from the committee.

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

Mark Ruzzin, Boulder County, testified in opposition to the bill.

Sophia Guerro Murphy, Conservation Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

The committee recessed.

The committee came back to order.

Representative Buck made concluding remarks on the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.