HB 18-1150

House Bill 18-1150, which has been signed into law in Colorado, addresses local government restrictions on oil and gas activities. It states that if a local government bans hydraulic fracturing or imposes a moratorium on oil and gas operations, they must compensate affected parties such as mineral owners, lessees, and royalty owners for any losses or damages incurred due to these restrictions. This means that towns or cities cannot simply ban fracking without having to pay those who stand to lose from the ban. The bill is now law after being signed by the governor.

Official Summary

The bill specifies that a local government that bans hydraulic fracturing of an oil and gas well is liable to the mineral interest owner for the value of the mineral interest and that a local government that enacts a moratorium on oil and gas activities shall compensate oil and gas operators, mineral lessees, and royalty owners for all costs, damages, and losses of fair market value associated with the moratorium.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More