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Drilling Health Study Advances In Colorado

DENVER (AP) - A Colorado proposal to commission a new study about the health effects of drilling on the Front Range cleared its first test Tuesday in the state Legislature.

The House Health, Insurance & Environment Committee voted 6-5 for the proposal. The bill would order the state Health Department to study "health and quality-of-life effects" of drilling in six counties - Arapahoe, Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld.

Business groups and mineral-rights owners oppose the study, calling it unnecessary and predisposed to decry oil and gas drilling. Democratic sponsors say the study is needed to address health concerns.

The proposal heads to another committee before it is considered by the full House.

LINK: House Bill 1297

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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