Potential battle looms over local oil and gas rules, drilling fees

Colorado House Democrats took two steps toward giving more control over oil and gas drilling to local governments Thursday, as leaders said that they expect to introduce a bill soon allowing cities and counties more rule-making power, and a committee voted to approve a bill allowing new fees on drillers to fund local inspectors.

It’s not known what chances either measure has of becoming law, as Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper has stated repeatedly that it is in the best interest of the state and its economy to have a single set of oil and gas regulations across Colorado, according to the…