Western Slope residents joined with 63 local elected officials from across the state today to urge the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to continue its rulemaking efforts to develop real, meaningful regulations that protect all Coloradans, the air we breathe, and the environment in which we live and recreate.

The meeting was held virtually, with no option for public comment. However, residents and local elected leaders from across the state submitted hundreds of written comments to the COGCC in advance of the meeting calling on the agency to act and not delay the rulemakings despite challenges created by current social distancing rules.

At the meeting, the COGCC did make some key decisions about scheduling hearings this year on a variety of new rules required by the passage last year of Senate Bill 181. They include releasing new draft rules by June 26 with the plan of conducting rulemaking between August 24 – September 10.

Below is a sample of quotes from the comments submitted by Western Slope citizens:

“As a resident living with oil and gas rigs in my neighborhood, I urge the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) to continue its work to pass strong statewide rules that prioritize public health and safety and the environment.  Communities like Battlement Mesa have had to bear the consequences of adverse impacts from oil and gas development for too long. I urge the COGCC to stay the course and adopt the strongest rules possible in order to fulfill its new mission.” 

— Dave Devanney, Chair of Battlement Concerned Citizens, Battlement Mesa, CO 

“The protections mandated by SB 181 are critical. These rules relate to air quality, ground and surface water protections, protective setbacks, and cumulative impacts on people. Residents in Western Colorado have been fighting for these basic protections for 40 years and it is time to make them a reality. All Coloradans deserve these protections and they deserve them now. They should not have to wait any longer.” 

— Leslie Robinson, Chair of Grand Valley Citizens Alliance, Rifle, CO

 “Pausing rulemaking efforts in Colorado cannot fix the problems the oil and gas industry is experiencing as markets crash.  Delay will only expose Coloradans across the state to more harmful air pollutants in the middle of a respiratory pandemic. Delay will not address the looming crisis of companies abandoning wells and leaving the cleanup costs to taxpayers and local governments. The COGCC needs to act, not delay rules that protect the health and safety of our communities.” 

— Rodger Steen, Western Colorado Alliance Oil and Gas Committee Chair, Steamboat Springs, CO

These comments were echoed in a letter submitted to the COGCC signed by 63 local elected officials representing communities across the state. Local elected officials from Routt County, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, La Plata
County, Pitkin County, Eagle County were among those who signed the letter calling for action on oil and gas regulations. Elected officials from a number of Front Range communities, including Longmont and Broomfield, also signed the letter.

“Even with the expanded authority granted to local governments (under SB181), robust statewide rules are essential,” the letter from 63 local elected officials reads. “Residents in southern, western, and eastern Colorado deserve the same protection and consideration as residents living on the Front Range. This is the time to be proactive. What we need is a commitment to this process, strong rules, and statewide application. We recognize that the work being done at the COGCC is vital to protecting our residents.”

Here’s a link to a PDF of the full letter.