Last December, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) voted unanimously to increase the setback distance for oil and gas operations near schools. This rule closes a loophole that formerly allowed oil and gas activity to occur near school playgrounds and community sports fields, as long as it was 1,000 feet from the school building.

New wells are now required to be at least 1000 feet away from school buildings. In addition to setbacks away from school buildings, the new rule requires wells to be at least 1000 feet away from child care centers, and outdoor areas. Outdoor areas include things like playgrounds and athletic fields next to schools. This new rule recently went into effect on January 30.

“Finally, after three years of effort, the COGCC is responding to the concerns of impacted schools, parents and residents,” said Leslie Robinson, chairwoman of the Grand Valley Citizens Alliance, a local affiliate of Western Colorado Alliance. “We should not put children at risk for a privately owned company’s bottom line. Everyone is a champion when we protect children’s health and safety and we hope that this rule is the beginning of more significant changes in Colorado’s oil and gas industry.”

Robinson was especially pleased to see Garfield County support the inclusion of child care centers in the rule, which the Commissioners had originally opposed. “Children deserve to be protected wherever they learn and play, including in western Colorado. We are glad the Garfield County Commissioners agreed with us in the end.”

This decision is the direct result of Western Colorado Alliance’s negotiations with industry leaders, the legislature, and the COGCC. After several years of efforts, we were able to pressure the oil and gas industry and the COGCC to increase protections for Colorado schools and child centers and the residents they serve. Thanks to the hard work of our Alliance, Colorado students living near oil and gas production sites will be safer and healthier.