Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts refer to the combined effects on public health and the environment from the incremental impacts of a proposed oil and gas operation, alongside those from past, present, and foreseeable future developments.
Addressing long-standing environmental and health impacts, particularly in Disproportionately Impacted (DI) communities, requires an accurate and realistic understanding of the effects from combined exposures to chemical and other stressors such as noise, odor, and socioeconomic disadvantages.
Commission's Annual Report on Cumulative Impacts:
- 2021 Report - Published January 2022
- 2022 Report - Published January 2023
- 2023 Report - Published February 2024
- 2024 Report - Published May 2025
Cumulative Impacts Information Submittal Form
Cumulative Impacts Rulemaking
After extensive stakeholder input, the Commission adopted Cumulative Impacts rules in October 2024 that went into effect in December 2024. The rules requires operators to adopt new, more protective practices when applying for oil and gas permits and it ensures that operators are compliant with air pollution rules as adopted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC). It requires operators and ECMC to provide additional opportunities for communities — particularly DI communities — to engage in the permitting process. And it requires the integration of new data cross-checks in the permitting process regarding NOx and Greenhouse Gases (GHG).
Additionally, the rules require ECMC to employ Community Liaisons who serve as dedicated resources to Disproportionately Impacted Communities.