COGCC publishes Mission Change Draft Rules; Reschedules Wellbore Integrity Rulemaking Date to ensure full public and stakeholder engagement
Denver, CO (Mar. 16, 2020) - The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) today announced critical SB 19-181 rulemaking updates. The COGCC published its proposed draft Mission Change rules, and revised its March hearing agenda, to move the Wellbore Integrity Rulemaking hearing to a later date, as well as changed the March Commission Hearing to be virtual.
The COGCC has published the Mission Change draft rules for the 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 Series Rules that reflect SB 19-181’s new mission to “regulate” instead of “foster” oil and gas development. Among these protective changes, the new rules will evaluate and address potential cumulative impacts, adopt alternative location analysis processes, expand public participation in COGCC proceedings, reform the permit process, improve protections for public health, safety, welfare, and the environment, address recordkeeping of oil and gas operations, as well as reordering and cleaning up COGCC rules and definitions.
“SB 19-181 changed the mission of COGCC to put public health, safety, welfare, wildlife and the environment protections first. We are proud of these draft Mission Change rules that will broaden engagement with the public on all aspects of oil and gas operations as well as provide stronger protections for all of Colorado,” said Director Jeff Robbins. “We also look forward to ongoing, productive engagement with stakeholders to further refine the rules before the Commission hearing.”
Also, in response to COVID-19 restrictions on public meetings, the Wellbore Integrity rulemaking has been rescheduled to April 29-30.
“It is critical that we get these rulemakings done correctly with all our partners. To ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity for full public engagement during the Wellbore Integrity Rulemaking hearing, the COGCC has moved this rulemaking to April 29-30.”
The COGCC filed with the Colorado Secretary of State notice of rulemaking on the 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 Series Rules on March 15. These draft rules, draft Statement of Basis, Specific Statutory Authority and Purpose, and redlines showing a comparison of the March 15 draft rules to the February 7 strawdog rules can all be found here.
For more information on the Wellbore Integrity rulemakings, and to get details on the upcoming March Commission Hearing scheduled for March 25, or to learn more about the COGCC, visit the ECMC website.