Regulators hobble energy sector

Unelected bureaucrats know better than we do. That’s what our state government is saying as Colorado regulators recently executed sweeping new restrictions on energy companies — defying the will of Colorado voters.

Here are reasons for concern with this government power grab:

1. Ignoring the will of the people: In 2018, the majority of Colorado voters rejected these new regulations. We understand that the energy industry is already highly regulated and safety-focused. But our Democratic government ignored us and gave unelected officials the power to ram through these regulations. They know better than us, don’t you see?

2. Economic damage: The oil and gas industry is part of the economic lifeblood of our state. It supports about 100,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, and generates over $1 billion/year in tax revenue — funding schools, roads, and other essential services. Further burdening this essential industry will result in job and tax revenue losses when we can least afford it.

3. It won’t stop here: In a revealing slip, Colorado oil and gas regulators recently sent an email disparaging the industry — calling them “Snake Oil Inc,” “Bad Oil and Gas,” and “The Lorax.” Well then regulating these companies, jobs, and tax revenue out of existence is the only logical next step, right?

This is what happens when we elect power-hungry, holier-than-thou people to office — they don’t just want to run government but want to run our lives as well.

To prevent this government power expansion, let’s boldly voice our concerns and vote for choice instead of control moving forward.

Scott McDaniel

Larkspur