Denver, CO (Apr. 19, 2019) - Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) Director Jeff Robbins released Draft Objective Criteria for public comment today as well as a new guidance document to move forward on implementing Colorado’s new oil and gas law, SB 19-181.
“It’s important for both oil and gas operators and members of the public that the Commission move quickly to implement Colorado’s new oil and gas law, SB 19-181,” Director Jeff Robbins stated, “The sooner we can incorporate the law’s tenets of including new public health, safety and environmental standards in our review of permits the sooner we can provide certainty to the oil and gas industry, stakeholders, and the public.”
The bill, which was signed into law earlier this week by Governor Polis, sets out that the Director must issue Objective Criteria after public comment on how he will evaluate particular well permits up for review by the COGCC.
The Draft Objective Criteria sets out guidelines by which the Director may conduct additional analysis and review on projects and permits.
The Director also released additional guidance on surface and drilling permits, which will also help inform the public on how Colorado’s new oil and gas law will be incorporated into proceedings before the COGCC.
The issuance of the Draft Objective Criteria also commences a 10 day public comment period on the criteria (Deadline 5 PM Monday, April 29) where written comments may be submitted through the ECMC website. The Director will finalize the Objective Criteria after considering public comment on or before May 16, 2019.
The Director will also be conducting additional and ongoing outreach on the Objective Criteria with other stakeholders and interested parties during the comment period and beyond.