GOP Moves Pro-Fracking Measure Ahead Of Report

DENVER (AP) — Republicans in Colorado's Senate have advanced a pro-fracking measure that makes a statement in advance of a long-awaited report on new limits on the oil and gas industry.

The Senate bill approved Friday would penalize local governments that limit drilling procedures, especially hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Republicans say that when a government makes a mineral owner's underground property less valuable, the government should pay the owner. Democrats opposed the measure, which faces almost certain death in the Democratic House.

Drilling has been the elephant in the room this session, with lawmakers avoiding the divisive topic until the release next week of a task force report on the dilemma. Several communities have placed limits on drilling beyond state regulations.