Vote no on 112

I am asking you to join me in voting no on Proposition 112. It would put 85 percent of non-federal lands in Colorado off limits to drilling for oil and natural gas.

You can find the report prepared by the state government that came up with this figure at cogcc.state.co.us, dated July 2, 2018. The remaining lands in Colorado would be effectively off limits as well because of the proposition’s deliberately vague language.

I can’t think of any other legislation or ballot initiatives in recent history that would shut down an entire industry. There would be significant tax and employment losses to Colorado.

Proposition 74 is leading in the polls, and if it passes too, the state could have to pay billions on compensation for mineral rights and leases that would be rendered worthless by Proposition 112.

Two years ago, the state strengthened the rules and regulations regarding drilling for oil and gas. These rules were drafted with input from all stakeholders – industry, legislators, regulators, local goverments, landowners and environmental groups.

I am proud that my parents and I have worked in an industry that provides the oil and natural gas which are essential to the prosperity and standard of living we enjoy today. My family would not be affected, because less than 3 percent of our revenue comes from wells in Colorado, but Proposition 112 is disastrously bad public policy. 

David L. Herbaly

Herbaly Exploration LLC

Littleton