Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Hearings

Today the Gas and Oil Conservation Commission was in town for a public hearing on recent recommendations for a number of possible energy regulations. This was a big thing for our community and one of the industries that supports it and our livelyhhoods. I attended for a little while, I got there about 8:45 am and it was standing room only. To call it standing room is really a misnomer, as I was barely able to walk in the door and I couldn't see who was speaking. Although, I was told that it was Josh Penry, our senator, and he gave a speech in support of the gas and oil industry. In which, he warned of the repercussions to the economy, of the western slope of Colorado, if the regulations were too stringent and caused these oil and gas companies to leave the area. As we were walking in, they handed us sticker to wear that said "Gas and Oil Feed My Family" In comparison, as we(a couple of other Realtors) were leaving we saw a tent with food. Never ones to miss an opportunity, we headed over to partake and refill our coffee mugs. The gentlemen there asked what side we were there to support. I told him I supported coffee. He seemed to appreciate that. He then told us that if we were going to drink his coffee we needed to wear one of his stickers that said "Clean Air, Clean Water, Clean Environment" and "I Support Wildlife". It was fairly obvious, after talking to him, that he wasn't from the area. I would have liked to hear more from the speakers, but it was hard to hear and the idea of standing there for hours wasn't appealing. The commission’s final energy regulations are expected out in July and I for one will be very interested in what they decide.

If you would like to learn out more or hear the public comments that took place today you can click on the following links:

Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Website with audio -
http://oil-gas.state.co.us/RuleMaking/COGCC-Audio.cfm

Excerpt from Local Newspaper -
http://www.gjsentinel.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/communities/breaking/entries/2008/06/10/commissioners_thankful_for_pub.html

Excerpt from Local Newspaper-
http://www.gjsentinel.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/communities/breaking/entries/2008/06/10/thousands_pack_convention_cent.html

Summary of Josh Penry's Speech -
http://www.gjsentinel.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/communities/breaking/entries/2008/06/10/lawmaker_invokes_black_sunday.html

Calling All Baseball Fans, JUCO Baseball is Here!!!

Every year, since I was seven, come Memorial Weekend I knew where I was going to be, at the JUCO National World Series Baseball Tournament. This tournament goes all week long with the championship game on Saturday. I enjoy watching good baseball, in fact, when I was in high school, I would ditch school just to go watch the games. I wasn't the only kid there either. Once I had my drivers license, if my younger siblings found out I was going they would beg me to pick them up form school. It got to the point that my mom would just write a note so our absences were excused. The school district eventually changed the school schedule so that schools get out the week before JUCO starts. I don't know if it had anything to do with the missing students, but I'm sure there are less kids missing their finals. Now I have a 9 year-old boy, who loves to go to JUCO and it is so much fun to watch him get into the tournament and cheer for his favorite team. If you are going to be in the Grand Junction area, I would encourage you to try to take in a game. The evening games are the most fun to attend and I would recommend getting there at least a half hour early in order to get a decent seat. The first game will be at 9:00am this Saturday, May 24th. By the way, you can't beat the price. A tournament pass(19 games) is $25 for the entire week for adults and children are $20. You can get more information on the tournament including the teams who will be playing this year, the tournament bracket, and you can listen to the games live at http://www.jucogj.org/index.php. If you happen to go, look for me I'm usually sitting on the third base line.