This week, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted to approve new rules implementing Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 oil and gas methane reduction requirements. The Regulation 7 rulemaking requires operators to eliminate methane-emitting pneumatic devices at oil and gas sites throughout the state and prioritizes reductions in areas that are violating ozone pollution standards. Colorado is the first state to incorporate these provisions into its state methane plan—due to the EPA by March 2026. 

“The Western Slope is both one of the fastest warming regions in the United States and is one of the top 5 emitters of methane from the oil and gas industry in the country.  As such, we welcome the new rules from the AQCC to further reduce methane emissions in Colorado,” said Leslie Robinson, Chair, Grand Valley Citizens Alliance. “The decision to adopt the faster retrofit timeline for these pneumatic devices and targeting some of the largest sites in Western Colorado ensures that all Colorado communities receive timely protection from harmful pollutants. We also hope that the AQCC can quickly apply these retrofits to all oil and gas sites in Western Colorado as soon as possible.” The AQCC’s rules also make improvements to the quality and consistency of air monitoring data collected at well sites, especially where people live, work and play. Advocacy groups look forward to working with the state to evaluate this important data and make further improvements to ensure that communities are informed about and protected from harmful emissions.

“From the Western Slope to the Front Range, Colorado communities across the state are experiencing the impacts of a warming climate. Cutting methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by eliminating the use of natural gas-emitting pneumatic devices is essential to community health and addressing the climate crisis,” said Jessica Pace, Interim Executive Director at Western Leaders Network. “ We commend the Air Quality Control Commission for adopting key EPA methane rule provisions in this rule and look forward to working with the state to ensure all Coloradans receive timely protection from pollution.”

While the new rules strengthen Colorado’s commitments to reducing climate and ozone pollution, there is more to be done. The state is still not on track to comply with federal air quality standards, and it must adopt additional EPA methane reduction requirements before March 2026. At a pivotal moment for our planet, we will continue to push for stronger methane reduction requirements and cleaner air for all Coloradans.