Colorado lawmakers want gas-well map after fatal home blast

State Democrats want energy drillers to disclose the locations of their gas lines. Republicans call the measure a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction.

By KRISTEN WYATT, Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — Colorado lawmakers are taking up a last-minute proposal in response to a deadly home explosion traced to an inactive gas well line.

Two House Democrats have proposed a bill to force energy drillers to provide state regulators the locations of all their gas lines. The measure is inspired by a home explosion that killed two people last month in the community of Firestone.

The proposal faces long odds. Even its sponsors aren’t sure whether the requirement would avert future accidents or help locate old lines whose owners are out of business.

Republicans control the state Senate and call the bill a knee-jerk reaction that won’t improve safety. Lawmakers must finish work for the year next week.

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper has questioned the need for the state to create a map.