Upcoming Rulemaking: High Priority Habitat Maps

Background

Pursuant to Rule 529.a, the Energy and Carbon Management Commission of the State of Colorado (“Commission”), on its own motion, will consider additions and amendments to Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure, 2 C.C.R. 404-1 (“Rules”), 100-Series as part of its “High Priority Habitat Map” rulemaking. This Rulemaking focuses on the southeast quadrant of the state, 

On April 16, 2019, Governor Polis signed Senate Bill 19-181 into law. Senate Bill 19-181 ensures that oil and gas development and operations in Colorado are regulated in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and wildlife resources. The Commission completed a series of rulemakings in 2020 that implement Senate Bill 19- 181’s mandates. As part of those rulemakings, the Commission adopted a definition of High Priority Habitat. The Commission’s definition of High Priority Habitat includes those habitat areas identified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife on maps included as Appendix VII to the Commission’s Rules. The definition of High Priority Habitat also provides that “on a periodic but no more frequent than annual basis and will be modified only through the Commission’s rulemaking process described in Rule 529. Notice of such rulemaking proceeding will be provided by February 28 of each year.” The proposed High Priority Habitat map updates are a result of inventories and monitoring to determine the status and extent of high priority habitat areas. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has released draft maps for the Rulemaking. The draft maps are available to view and download at the ECMC Interactive Map and PDF versions are available in the HPH Map Rulemaking Portfolio. CPW has also created a side by side comparison map and simple map application for reference.

Rulemaking Timeline

● January 20: Stakeholder Meeting
● January 30: Notice of Hearing
● February 20: Request for Party Status
● February 27 - March 13: Party Briefing
● Early April 2026: Commission Hearing

Links to Documents

Senate Bill 19-181

High Priority Habitat Maps Rulemaking Portfolio

Video Recordings

All of ECMC’s public hearings and listening sessions are recorded and posted on our YouTube channel.