Last week one of our own, Dr Lloyd Thomas, spoke on a subject that should be of interest to all members - Rotary and the Pursuit of Happiness. The information was supported by quotes from wise men, from Socrates to present-day cartoonists. Perhaps a surprise, cartoons may contain thoughts to live by. Lloyd started with a quote from E. E. Cummings…” Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human heart”.
On May 31, Dave Stewart introduced John Messner, Commissioner with the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission – “CECMC” - (recently re-named from the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission or COGCC), who brought us up to date on recent changes in oil and gas regulations in the State of Colorado that resulted from legislative action (especially Senate bill 19-181). These changes reflect the shift in mission of the COGCC from an agency that fosters oil and gas development with consideration of public health and the environment to one that regulates oil and gas development in a way that protects public health, welfare, the environment and wildlife resources. He pointed out that these changes were touted by Conservation Colorado as making Colorado a national leader in protecting public health and safety and, simultaneously, touted by the Colorado Oil & Gas Association as being the toughest in the country, further protecting the environment and ensuring that the hydrocarbons produced here are cleaner than anywhere else in the world.