Tell Oil and Gas Commission we need strong protections NOW!

Tell Oil and Gas Commission we need strong protections NOW!

This Wednesday, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is meeting to decide how and when to proceed with a critical decision-making process for new rules governing oil and gas development in our state. These new rules, mandated by the Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations Act (SB-181), have been fought for hard by Western Colorado Alliance members for decades. Now, we must urge the COGCC to ensure they become a reality.

Please take a moment and send a comment to the COGCC asking for the quick adoption of new protections for our public health, safety, and environment.

Sample Comment

In this time of uncertainty, the oil and gas industry has tried to delay forward progress on these protections. While we all understand the difficulties of conducting business during this time, it is critical that these rules move forward. Colorado communities and our environment have had to bear the consequences of adverse impacts from oil and gas development for too long. Tell the COGCC our families, communities, wildlife, and environment can’t wait!

Send a comment to the COGCC before their meeting, urging them to keep moving and not delay. We have provided a sample comment below. Please cut, paste, and edit as you see fit, and send in your comment at this address: https://cogcc.state.co.us/RuleMaking/?&cat=Mission

Sample Comment

I am writing today to ask the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) to continue its work to pass strong statewide rules that prioritize public health, the environment, and wildlife. I understand that COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives, including how to conduct government business and public process.

However, Colorado communities and our environment have had to bear the consequences of adverse impacts from oil and gas development for too long. I respectfully request that you move to adopt the strongest possible rules in order to fulfill your new mission.

Our homes and schools need to be protected by protective setbacks from oil and gas operations. The same applies to critical wildlife habitats, such as riparian areas. I’d also like to urge you to consult with wildlife experts and key agencies, like Colorado Parks and Wildlife to ensure that wildlife is protected.

Additionally, the cumulative impacts of oil and gas development on greenhouse gas emissions must be addressed. We need rules that will meaningfully address climate change and advance the state forward in achieving its goals set forth by HB20-1261. And finally, as many drilling sites could be closed down in the coming years due to the global downturn in oil markets, it is critical that the COGCC prepare for the mass plugging and abandonment of wells, ensuring taxpayers aren’t stuck with the cost of cleanup.

Now is the time to be proactive. We need a commitment to this process, strong rules, and statewide application of uniform rules to protect the health and safety of our constituents. Please keep up the hard work to adopt rules that prioritize Coloradans and our environment!

About the author

Emily stepped up as our staff director in 2017, but originally joined our team as a community organizer in 2013. Born and raised on the Western Slope, Emily graduated from Colorado State University and then had the privilege of learning from and working alongside organizers in Central and South America as well as Appalachian coal country. They returned to their home state to protect the land they love and work with fellow Coloradans for a healthy, just and self-reliant future for our rural communities. Emily enjoys organizing, exploring the Colorado Plateau, country music and punk concerts with equal passion.