Oil, gas regulators in Colo. facing stricter rules

DENVER (AP) -- Oil and gas regulators in Colorado could face stricter rules to assure residents they're not unduly helping the industry. That's under a proposal given preliminary approval in the state House Monday.

The House approved a bill giving the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission new disclosure rules and tighter standards for recusing themselves when a decision would affect their employer. The bill originally banned current oil and gas workers from membership on the panel, but Democratic sponsors ratcheted back the ban. The original bill faced a dim future in the face of strong opposition from the industry.

One more vote on the disclosure bill is required before the measure advances to the Senate.