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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Scott Prestidge scott.prestidge@coga.org DENVER – Despite an overwhelming public response from Adams County residents who spoke out today against a temporary ban on oil and natural gas permits, Adams County Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a new six-month moratorium. The county gave only 24 hours notice before today’s meeting. The following is a statement from Dan Haley, President and CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association: “Politics trumped policy as the uncertainty surrounding Senate Bill 181 spilled out of the statehouse and led to its first moratorium. The flaws within this bill are apparent and must be corrected, or we’ll see this uncertainty and confusion spread. “Colorado’s oil and natural gas workforce is second to none, adhering to the toughest regulations in the country, and if our elected leaders pause long enough to look at the data, they would see that ours is one of the safest industries in the nation, and that we are in fact part of the climate solution, as emission numbers continue to drop. “The temporary ban — passed before SB 181 has even cleared the statehouse — wasn’t needed. It sends a negative message to businesses and workers in Adams County and could have a chilling effect on the economy. Our members have worked openly and cooperatively with Adams County in the past on such matters and we hope that they include us in their discussions in the coming months. Oil and natural gas production is important to Adams County, its economy and its tax base and we shouldn’t play these types of games with something that important.” About COGA Founded in 1984, the Colorado Oil & Gas Association’s (COGA) mission is to foster and promote the beneficial, efficient, responsible and environmentally sound development, production and use of Colorado oil and natural gas. COGA is a nationally recognized trade association that aggressively promotes the expansion of Rocky Mountain natural gas markets, supply, and transportation infrastructure through its growing and diverse membership.