On April 26, 2023, the La Plata County commissioners unanimously voted to enact the Chapter 90 land use code revision, which is specific to regulating the oil and gas industry here in the county.
The existing regulations through local and state agencies already provide significant public protections, such as protecting the public health and safety, environment, welfare, consumers and investors. Practical, evidence-based regulations should be the primary objective of our elected officials and the staff that works within the local government.
Yet, despite the best intentions, government regulation often interrupts things like innovation and markets. When regulators are given a chance to pick winners and losers among industries or technologies, they invariably cause unintended harm.
Regulations without careful consideration can cause more damage than good, stifle innovation and growth, diminish limited resources, and undermine sustainable development. This inadvertently harms the people they are supposed to protect, eroding confidence in our government. In addition, many regulations can lead to higher energy costs and raise the price of nearly every product we purchase.
These regulations will not lead to more comprehensive benefits for our community. The consequence will be higher energy costs to consumers, affecting our most vulnerable populations.
Michelina Paulek
Durango
