Oil and Gas

Breaking the Logjam

Sometimes a single bill reshapes a policy landscape. Such is the case with the 2019 legislative session’s landmark oil and gas bill, Senate Bill 181, Colorado’s comprehensive oil and gas reforms.

Thanks to the visionary leadership of our pro-conservation trifecta, Colorado law now:

• Refocuses the mission of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to prioritize health, safety, and the environment over industry profits;
• Empowers local governments to have a stronger say by clarifying basic powers such as zoning and noise limitations and allowing local oversight and enforcement of operations;
• Addresses the growing climate, air, water, and wildlife impacts of oil and gas development across the state including increasing regulations for methane (a dangerous air pollutant that is a significant contributor to climate change); and,
• Better protects property owners from forced pooling.

The bill’s provisions were nearly a decade in the making, comprised of the 22 bills that were defeated in recent years because of industry opposition.

This year, that all changed. Today, Coloradans can breathe easier knowing that our state is on track to put the health and safety of workers and residents, as well as protections for our environment, ahead of oil and gas industry profits.