The bottom dropping out of the oil industry may cost
Colorado governments as much as One Billion Dollars in tax revenue per an article
in the local rag.
The state’s petroleum industry employs about 90,000 people, directly and indirectly, generates $13.5 billion in economic activity, and provides $1 billion in taxes to state and local governments, according to an analysis from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Or
it did.
Jobs
in the oil patch are disappearing amid the double whammy of the coronavirus
pandemic and a global oil price war. Weld County produces nearly 9 of every 10
barrels of oil in Colorado, and it’s safe to say there are few here who won’t
be touched by the historic
crash in energy prices.
For years the environmental whackos have been agitating to shut down the
petroleum industry. Now they are getting their wish, second thoughts are
emerging. Again, from the local rag.
Some
environmental groups are sounding the alarm about the damage that could result
if oil and gas producers go under in large numbers because of severe financial
pressures.
“We
have serious concerns that the failing market could cause an increase in
distressed operators in Colorado and other associated issues, including impacts
to workers and everyday Coloradans losing their jobs,” Conservation Colorado,
the Colorado Sierra Club, the Western Colorado Alliance and the League of Oil and
Gas Impacted Coloradans sent the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission
on Tuesday.
Other
issues include increased flaring and venting of natural gas, abandoned
infrastructure, orphaned wells, and noncompliance with existing rules designed
to protect public health, safety and the environment.
“All
of these issues come with associated human health and environmental impacts,”
the groups warned.
Wishful Thinking
About the only larger newspaper in the state without a
leftist bent is in Colorado Springs. A recent editorial.
Other Voices: Epidemic recovery cash
can’t become a slush fund in Colorado
This time
around, we must watch the money for years into the future. Don’t let Colorado’s
share of federal recovery dollars become a slush fund for politicians, former
politicians and their favorite law firm.
Ha! Fat
chance, IMO. You can read the whole thing here.
In the back of my head I can hear my late father’s voice
talking about, “The belly flapping principal”.
Trust Funders Angst
In past blogs I’ve identified areas where they flock. These
are the same areas dependent on tourism.
Food
services, accommodations, retail, and arts, entertainment and recreation
represent four of the five hardest-hit industries, Gedney said. Tourism covers
jobs in all four of those areas, so it isn’t a surprise that the counties most
dependent on outside spending have seen some of the biggest job losses
percentage-wise.
A lengthy
article here.
Many have businesses in these areas. The cost of living is
high, and the “little people” who do the dirty
jobs are departing in droves.
Tyranny
At the local level, the
restrictions being imposed show exactly how tyranny by government works. $2,500
for not wearing a mask in Aspen. Summit County officials going door to door to
identify short term rentals (AirNub) which have, by decree, been banned.
Gunnison County bans non residents who own vacation homes in the county from
living in them. This is just a few examples; there are many more.
Gambling
Casino gambling in Colorado is restricted to Gilpin County
(Central City, Blackhawk and Teller County (Cripple Creek). Taxed, it provides
most of the revenue for the counties. Now they are getting zilch with little
relief in sight.
Snide WSF Observation
I doubt the (P)regressives who swept into office last
election ever dreamed this situation could occur. Will they step up to the
leadership positions they were elected to fill? WSF isn’t holding his breath.
12 comments:
I'd be moving up the Colexit plan... Just sayin...
I'd suspect they'll just go hat-in-hand to D.C.
It's a budgetary disaster that is reflected in nearly every other state. The bottom drops out of oil and then the plague means that taxes will go up and state services will go down.
OldNFO
Coloexit is very much on my mind.
DrJim
https://www.daybydaycartoon.com/comic/free-agents/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DayByDayCartoon+%28Day+by+Day+Cartoon+by+Chris+Muir%29
LL
My hope is this will create a Red Wave come the elections.
I'm hoping this is a wake the hell up for politicos & enviros, but hate that it is as ever, on the backs of the little guys.
Where were you thinking of coloexiting to?
Brig
Wyoming or North Central Idaho. I like the area around Sundance, WY. Rapid City isn't too far for an airport with airline service. Sandpoint, ID is an interesting area. Oregon, if not for the political climate, would tempt me. Bandon is a place I enjoyed in years past. The area in Oklahoma NW of Boise City appeals to me; isolated, wild, rugged terrain and high plains to the South.
My age is a factor. At 75, my strength and stamina is diminished. Probably shouldn't be too far from urgent medical care.
A cousin lobbies for Baggs, WY. Just over the CO line in an area with deep ancestral ties going back to the late 1800's. Sandwash basin, Browns Park, and the Wyoming Red Desert were where my paternal side pioneered while, over the Sierra Madre range is North Park, home to my maternal side fore-bearers.
In bound call center in Wamsutter
Sisty
That is vicious!
Ah, I'm thinking of N Idaho as well. Would like Oregon, but they are being ruled by the cra-cra in Portlandia.
Brig
As is Washington State. Many places there I like.
Socialism is so very awesome until you run outta other people's money, to paraphrase Maggie.
Less happily, it seems LE's generally happy to enforce tyrannical orders.
I see trouble brewing all 'round.
LSP
Our Sheriff is a Conservative. Being sued by the ACLU and others. So far, he is standing tall. The town clowns, not so much.
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