When it comes to the energy industry, it appears the president and his allies in Congress have never met a regulation they didn’t like. Look no further than proposed rules on the oil and natural gas extraction process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on federal and reservation lands.

If enacted, this regulation would fall most heavily on states such as Colorado where the majority of land is owned by the federal government. Taking such authority away from local agencies, which already work to ensure responsible drilling operations, could slow the energy boom our state has been enjoying.

The same kind of zeal the president applies to adding regulation also applies to subtracting tax credits — especially those that favor the energy industry. He calls them loopholes and is working to end them. Overregulating drilling operations and raising taxes on oil and gas businesses is unwise, unfair and unhealthy for our economy.

Mike Samson

Glenwood Springs