I believe all of these resources can be utilized without compromising private property rights, the economy or the environment.

While some special interest groups would completely abandon these resources that have made us a great state and country, we should never forget that this industry is responsible for affordable energy and many years of prosperity for hundreds for thousands of Colorado middle class families.

Currently, Colorado's Oil and Gas Industry is the largest economy in the state. This energy industry is home to 71,000 hard working men and women with average salaries ranging from $57,000 a year for drilling operators to $73,000 a year for extraction operators.

Statistics from the Colorado Energy Research Institute reflect that Colorado's Oil and Gas Industry contributes over $21 billion to Colorado's economy!

This industry that has played a major role in Colorado's economic prosperity, is currently under attack from aggressive policy makers and special interest groups that continue to push for more oppressive regulation and restrictions.

Many like-minded policy makers want to increase taxes and regulation on an industry that is already heavily regulated and taxed.

One reason our nation is purchasing 70 percent of our oil from the Middle East is the direct result of excessive regulation in the United States.

Regulatory changes proposed by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) are an example of overly aggressive state policies that will negatively affect Colorado’s energy economy and increase the cost of our energy.

These proposed regulations will restrict oil and gas production from January 1 through June 15 without any consideration for Colorado families that will ultimately bear the burden in higher energy costs.

Over the past months, I have testified against some of these preposterous proposed rules that will ultimately drive energy costs through the roof and force this industry out of Colorado.

I believe all of our natural resources should be utilized for comprehensive “AFFORDABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS".

We must use traditional energy resources as a bridge to new renewable energy sources. Oil, gas, coal, shale, water, wind and sunshine all have a role to play in our energy economy.

It is our job as policy makers to work on "AFFORDABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS" for Colorado's families, economy and future, and that is exactly what I will continue to work towards!