Colorado Halts Rulemaking Efforts to Decrease Collective Effects of Oil and Gas Operations

The Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) in Colorado has hit a roadblock in finalizing rules to address cumulative impacts from oil and gas operations. The commission was tasked with creating regulations in 2019 to evaluate and address the broader effects of pollution before approving new development.

The goal is to protect public health and the environment by taking into account existing pollution levels when considering new oil and gas activities. However, the complexity of balancing industry interests with environmental concerns has led to the process being paused.

Environmental advocates like Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson from Earthworks emphasize the importance of considering all factors when assessing cumulative impacts. In areas like Commerce City and north Denver, where multiple sources of pollution contribute to poor air quality, approving new oil and gas operations nearby could exacerbate the problem.

While some legislators have introduced a bill to expand the commission’s power over carbon management and redefine cumulative impacts, industry representatives are concerned about the potential disruptions to ongoing stakeholder engagement and the use of carbon capture technologies.

As the ECMC takes a step back to await further guidance from lawmakers, the conversation around finding the right balance between economic development and environmental protection continues. For now, the fate of the new rules remains uncertain, leaving both industry stakeholders and environmental advocates eagerly awaiting the next steps in Colorado’s regulatory process.