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Water Testing Bill Moves Dems Closer To Showdown

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Democrats are closer to an intraparty clash over oil and gas drilling after a House vote to forward a water-testing bill opposed by Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper.

The House gave preliminary approval Tuesday evening to a bill to require more water testing in the state's most active oil and gas drilling field, the Greater Wattenburg Area in northern Colorado. The field currently has lighter water-testing requirements than other areas of the state. The rules are set by the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission.

Hickenlooper has informed legislators he opposes the bill. The governor believes current water testing guidelines are adequate.

The House also voted Tuesday to require the Commission to review well-inspection procedures. The measures are among a raft of Democratic measures to crack down on drilling.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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