Proposed Bill: Oil & Gas Companies Would Be Liable For Earthquake Damage

DENVER (CBS4) - Colorado lawmakers are debating a bill that would hold oil and gas companies liable for earthquakes that damage people's homes.

The U.S. Geological Survey has tied some earthquakes to oil and gas operations, but there is no definitive proof of the connection.

Under the bill, an oil and gas company would have to prove that it didn't cause the earthquake. The energy industry obviously opposes the bill.

"They're going to talk about the sky is falling, but residents are talking about how grounds are rumbling, so I'm hoping that the representatives and senators here will start to listen to these residents are starting to talk about it statewide about their concerns about these oil and gas operations," said Rep. Joe Salazar, D-Adams County.

The bill passed a House committee on Thursday, but even if it makes it out of the Democrat-controlled House, it is expected to die in the Republican-controlled Senate.