Local Government
ECMC is the state-level regulatory authority for the development and production of oil and gas, deep geothermal resources, the capture and sequestration of carbon, and the underground storage of natural gas in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment and wildlife resources. Local governments -- municipalities, counties, and special districts -- are also regulatory authorities.
ECMC engages with local government elected officials and staff on a variety of matters.
- We are available to attend hearings and describe our role relative to the role of local governments. Contact ECMC's Local Government Liaison.
- While we do NOT regulate wind, solar or battery storage, we provide consultation upon request. Contact ECMC's Cumulative Impacts and Energy Transition Renewable Energy Program Coordinator.
- We maintain the Local Government Designee program.
MOUs and IGAs
Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) are formal agreements between parties that explain how the parties agree to cooperate to achieve a common purpose. A MOU provides details about each party’s responsibilities and authority to act under the MOU. Please reach out to ECMC's Local Government Contact if you have more question about MOUs or IGAs.
MOUs and IGAs have been established with the following Local Governments:
Local Government Designee Program
ECMC’s Local Government Designee (LGD) Program offers collaboration between local governments and ECMC in matters concerning oil and gas development. The passage of SB19-181 and the associated Mission Change Rulemaking established new regulatory relationships between ECMC and local governments. One of the primary changes associated with SB19-181 is that it enables local governments to have increased oversight of land use related oil and gas activities in their communities. This includes ECMC involvement early on in local permitting and siting processes and recognition that operators must comply with the most protective regulations.
Who Is Involved
Participation in the LGD Program allows a local government the opportunity to designate a specific individual (their LGD) as their “point person” regarding oil and gas matters. The LGD program is open to any county, home rule or statutory city, town, territorial charter city or city and county, or any special district established pursuant to the Special District Act; however, individual citizens are not eligible to participate.
Search ECMC's Database for Local Government Designee Information
How to Participate
Enrollment in the program (or changes to a participating local government’s previously submitted information) requires the submittal of an ECMC Form 29. ECMC improved the LGD participation registration process in 2020 by making submittal of the Form 29 an entirely online process via the ECMC website. The Form 29 allows a LGD to customize the notifications they receive from ECMC. Available notices are listed below.
| Rule | Notice Description | Notice From |
| 302.e | Operator plans to submit an Oil and Gas Development Plan. | Operator |
| 303.d. (2) | Director has posted Oil & Gas Development Plan application on website. | Director |
| 306.c | Director has posted a recommendation that the Commission approve or deny an Oil and Gas Development Plan. | Director |
| 313.i | A copy of the approved Form 20, Permit to Conduct Seismic Operations. | Operator |
| 314.f.(1) C.iii | Director has issued a completeness determination on a Comprehensive Area Plan. | Operator |
| 314.f.(1) C.iv | Director has issued a completeness determination on a Comprehensive Area Plan. | Operator |
| 314.g.(3) | Director has posted a recommendation that the Commission approve or deny a Comprehensive Area Plan. | Director |
| 405.a | Form 42: Notice of Intent to Conduct Seismic Operations | Director |
| 405.b | Form 42: Notice of Construction or Major Change | Director |
| 405.e | Form 42: Notice of Move-In, Rig-Up | Director |
| 405.f | Form 42: Notice of Spud | Director |
| 405.k | Form 42: Notice of Intent to Conduct Hydraulic Fracturing Treatment | Director |
| 405.l | Form 42: Notice of Start of Plugging Operations | Director |
| 405.r | Form 42: Abandonment of Flowline | Director |
| 405.s | Form 42: Well Liquids Unloading | Director |
Local Government Contact Information
Megan Adamczyk
Community Relations Liaison
Email: megan.adamczyk@state.co.us
Phone:
(303) 921-7938