GRAND JUNCTION – A Texas-based energy service provider has laid off 178 workers at its Colorado office saying it is a permanent employment loss.
The Daily Sentinel reports that oil field company Halliburton told the state Department of Labor and Employment about the anticipated layoffs in a written letter dated Monday.
Company officials said the layoffs were because of local market conditions, but they plan to keep the Grand Junction facility open.
Officials said there is concern about uncertainty after an oil and gas bill passed this year that overhauls industry regulations in the state. They said the majority of the employees were given the option to move to other company operating areas.
Officials said about 650 employees were affected across Halliburton’s Rockies region including in Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and North Dakota.
