Vote On New Colorado Drilling Rules Delayed

DENVER (AP) - Colorado regulators are delaying a vote on new rules that would require bigger buffer zones around oil and gas wells.

The proposal isn't satisfying many in the state's populated Front Range or in some rural counties. The proposal calls for placing wells at least 500 feet from buildings. Some environmental groups want 1,000-foot buffers. Others worry that requiring even 500 feet will slow an industry that supports rural economies and the state's budget.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission was scheduled to vote Thursday on the rules but is pushing that back to allow for more public comments.

The rules under consideration by the commission also would make the state the only one to require sampling of water wells near drilling sites both before and after drilling.

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