Vote no on Proposition 112

Debates over the future of Colorado’s oil and gas industry can seem remote for residents in the southern suburbs of Denver. But ballot measures such as Proposition 112, which would cripple the state’s energy economy and cost tens of thousands of jobs, could have devastating effects for families and businesses in our area. It must be soundly defeated.

If passed, what would this measure do to our state’s economy?

A study by the Common Sense Policy Roundtable said the effect would erase nearly 150,000 jobs in the next dozen years, and more than three-quarters of all jobs lost would be outside of the energy industry.

These are big statewide numbers, and the economic body-blow will be felt in our area. An economic impact study done by the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado showed that nearly 2,800 jobs in Arapahoe County, generating almost $250 million in annual income, are tied to the energy industry. And in Denver, where many local residents commute to work, there are 18,000 jobs generating $2 billion in income.

We are sounding the alarm bell now to warn voters throughout our region that, for our future and that of our children and grandchildren, Proposition 112 deserves a no vote.

Robert Golden

President and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce