Watching Government: Defeat of Colorado’s Prop 112

Nov. 12, 2018
Colorado voters rejected Proposition 112, which would have imposed severe setback requirements on oil and gas producers, when the voters went to the polls on Nov. 6.

Colorado voters rejected Proposition 112, which would have imposed severe setback requirements on oil and gas producers, when the voters went to the polls on Nov. 6.

Oil and gas groups in the state were under no illusions that this will be the last such effort by industry opponents.

“We’re grateful that Coloradans stood with the energy sector to oppose this measure,” Colorado Oil & Gas Association Pres. Dan Haley said after the results were announced.

“I want every Coloradan to know that we are committed to developing our resources in a responsible manner that protects the environment and keeps our employees and communities healthy and safe,” Haley said.

Colorado Petroleum Council Executive Director Tracee Bentley said that if it had passed, 77% of the jobs it would have eliminated in its first year would have come from outside the energy sector.

“Businesses in our state, both small and large, are increasingly codependent: Hurt one, and you hurt all. It is heartening to see voters from across the state stand up in defense of the dignity of their friends’, families’ and neighbors’ work,” she said.

“We now turn to a new year, in which we will continue substantive, serious dialogue with our colleagues on the other side of this debate. There will always be a seat at the table for anyone who seeks to keep Colorado the envy of the nation, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Bentley, who leads the American Petroleum Institute’s affiliate in the state.

Groups beyond the oil and gas industry also applauded the initiative’s defeat. “Proposition 112 was the single-worst ballot measure I have seen in all my years as a Coloradan,” said Amy Oliver Cooke, who directs Spirit of Colorado, which describes itself as an independent expenditure committee that defends the state’s economic well-being.

Activists and ‘fracktivists’

Cooke said, “A handful of Boulder-based activists, funded by Washington, DC, ‘fracktivist’ cash who hate our Colorado spirit and way of life tried to destroy our state’s economic future with one fell swoop. We are thrilled that Colorado voters recognized the dangers of Proposition 112 and soundly defeated this measure.”

The initiative’s supporters were defiant. “Let’s be clear: The oil and gas industry spent at least $30 million to beat this measure by fear-mongering about jobs. No one in this state would be foolish enough to say that tonight’s result means that voters want an oil and gas rig closer to their homes, schools, or hospitals,” Conservation Colorado Executive Director Kelly Nordini said.

“The fact remains: The oil and gas problem in this state has not been solved,” she said.

And the beat goes on.