On April 3, Colorado lawmakers passed legislation overhauling state oil and gas regulations. The legislation will tighten health and safety standards and give local governments the power to restrict the locations of new oil and gas development in their jurisdictions. Under the current law, only state regulators have that authority.
Among other provisions, the legislation also requires the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which oversees the industry, to hire a full-time staff of experts who will evaluate drilling and other impacts to air quality. For more information, see the AP article Colorado Lawmakers Pass Dramatic Drilling Rule Changes.
