Colorado, the U.S. state with the fastest-growing oil production last year, struck a deal with drilling opponents that is likely to avert a November ballot vote that might have slowed hydraulic fracturing.

The state will create a task force to study the impact of drilling on local communities, Gov. John Hickenlooper said today in a news conference. Rep. Jared Polis, who had pledged to financially support the ballot initiatives, said today he will join Hickenlooper in urging ballot backers to withdraw the measures.