Judge Decides Against Lafayette's Drilling Ban

摘要

A Colorado district court has ruled that state regulation of oil and natural gas industry supersedes local jurisdictions' regulations, which the Colorado Oil & Gas Association says is the third time a court has overturned a municipality's attempt to ban drilling or fracturing. According to COGA, Boulder County's 20th District Court Judge D.D. Mallard ruled that the City of Lafayette, Co., lacked the authority in "a matter of mixed state and local concern" to exclude the state's authority. The association filed a suit against the city of Lafayette, as well as two other municipalities that have attempted to ban or restrict drilling activity.