Colorado Politics

Colorado’s share of federal energy revenues totals over $100 million

Colorado will receive $108.1 million in revenues from energy production on federal land, the U.S. Department of Interior announced Thursday.

“The disbursements paid to states and Tribes from energy development revenues go right back to the communities where the energy was produced, providing critical funding for schools, public services, conservation improvements, and infrastructure projects that create good-paying American jobs,” said Secretary David Bernhardt in a statement.

Since 1982, the federal government has collected bonuses, royalties, and rents from fossil fuel operators, dividing the money among states, tribes, conservation programming, historic preservation and the federal treasury.

Federal land comprises nearly 36% of Colorado, and fossil fuel extraction made up 3.2% of the state’s gross domestic product in 2016. Garfield County saw the highest revenue generation, with operators paying $60.2 million to extract in 2018. Weld, Rio Blanco, and Montezuma counties were the other high producers, each bringing in over $41 million in operator payments.

All but Weld County lie in U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton’s district.

“Colorado’s Third Congressional District is fortunate to have abundant renewable and traditional energy sources that have contributed to local communities by providing funding for recreation, roads and schools,” Tipton said.

Last year, 5.4 million tons of coal were extracted on federal lands in Colorado, primarily in the northwest corner of the state. There were also 6.5 million barrels of oil and 645 million mcf (a measure of one thousand cubic feet) of gas produced.

States receive 49% of revenue from extraction on federal land-except Alaska, which receives 90%. New Mexico by far received the largest share, at $1.17 billion, followed by Wyoming at $641 million.

Methane Emissions oil gas
(File photo by Charlie Riedel, Associated Press)
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