COGCC hosts hearing, listening and information sessions for the public to provide comments on rulemakings
Denver, CO (Sep. 18, 2019) - The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) invites the public and all stakeholders to engage and provide comment on its current rulemakings: alternative location analysis, cumulative impacts, flowline and mission change.
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission Hearing will have staff presentations, updates on rulemaking, and, in the afternoon, members of the public may comment regarding the Commission’s SB-181 rulemakings on:
- Alternative Location Analysis: SB-181 directs the Commission to “adopt an alternative location analysis process and specify criteria used to identify oil and gas locations and facilities proposed to be located near populated areas that will be subject to the analysis. This rulemaking will change the rules and regulations regarding siting and local governance of siting issues.
- Cumulative Impacts: SB-181 requires the Commission to “in consultation with the Department of Public Health and Environment, evaluate and address the potential cumulative impacts of oil and gas development.” This rulemaking will change the rules and regulations governing the Commission to take into account cumulative impacts as they relate to regulating the development of oil and gas development in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment and wildlife.
- Flowline: SB-181 directs the Commission to engage in rulemaking that will “allow the public disclosure of flowline information and evaluate and determine when a deactivated flowline must be inspected before being reactivated.” This rulemaking will change the rules and regulations of the Commission regarding the oversight of flowlines within Colorado.
- Mission Change: SB-181 changed the mandate of the Commission from fostering oil and gas development to regulating oil and gas development “in a reasonable manner to protect and minimize adverse impacts to public health, safety, and welfare, the environment and wildlife resources.” This rulemaking will change the rules and regulations governing the mandate of the Commission. Flowline: to adopt amended flowline rules.
Members of the public will also be able to provide public comment on the rulemakings, as well as ask staff questions and learn about COGCC and rulemakings, on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Erie Community Center.
“COGCC is committed to having an open process, where we engage stakeholders and the public in our rulemaking process,” said Director Jeff Robbins. “Your voice is important to us and we encourage everyone to participate. We are offering many ways to stay involved - by attending in person at a hearing, using our online public comment portal, to attending stakeholder meetings. Visit our website for all updated information.”
SB-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 COGCC is in the midst of reviewing its rules and procedures to evaluate what changes are required to reflect the new law’s requirements.
COGCC Hearing & Meeting Information:
COGCC Commission Hearing:
- Date: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019
- Time: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd., Thornton.
Commission Listening Session and COGCC Information Night:
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019
- Time: 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Erie Community Center, 650 Powers St., Erie.
The COGCC will host upcoming meetings in Denver and Weld County. To learn more about participating in any meetings, the rulemaking schedule or comment using the online portals, visit the ECMC website.