Well, this just sucks. Here’s my Five Bullet Brief of the article. My comments will follow.
- End of an Era: Dan Haley is stepping down as president and CEO of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association after nine years, citing the need for fresh perspectives in an industry facing stringent regulations.
- Advocacy and Impact: Known for his dedicated advocacy, Haley has been a key figure in navigating Colorado’s challenging regulatory landscape, earning respect for his commitment to the industry and its workers.
- Transition Plan: Haley will remain with the organization until a new leader is found, ensuring a smooth transition. He plans to stay in Colorado and explore new opportunities while taking a well-deserved vacation.
- Economic Contributions: Haley highlighted the significant economic impact of the oil and gas industry in Colorado, emphasizing its role in funding education and local services, despite ongoing environmental challenges.
- Ozone Challenges: Addressing ozone pollution, Haley pointed out the complexities of meeting EPA standards, noting that much of the pollution comes from sources beyond local control, and advocating for a balanced approach to environmental regulations.
Dan Haley is a fond acquaintance, so my objectivity may be askew. His presence in the oil and gas conversation will be dramatically missed. Dan is a gentleman. An unquestioned professional. A truth teller.
In a time when a radical Colorado state legislature emotionally and erratically attacked and attacked and attacked the industry for which he advocated and did nothing but economically benefit countless hundreds of thousands of Coloradans (and lower our taxation burden, too), Dan was a rock. He calmly, factually provided information and statistics – TRUTH – to counter the emotion-driven lies of the keep-it-in-the-ground advocates who dominated the state legislature.
They ignored him, anyway. Dismissed him without credit. And then acted more like advocates than legislators when they regulatory bit the hand (oil and gas) that fed their social program dreams.
I do not know the reason Dan stepped aside, although I did know he was leaving – he told me as much about a month back. I will miss his steady voice and non-stop provision of facts and data as I continue to advocate for the industry that makes Weld County and our citizens strong.
My guess: Fatigue had to have something to do with it. He fought the good fight, but got irrationally bloodied every day. No one can blame him. He has earned a break. I have no doubt that whatever Mr. Haley chooses next, he will bring class and professionalism to the endeavor. Some organization – some company – will be damn lucky to get Dan Haley.
I will miss him and I wish him good health and good luck.
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