The Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission issued interim guidelines for operators on Apr. 19 as it began to develop new regulations to comply with new restrictions the state legislature adopted and Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed into law (OGJ Online, Apr. 17, 2019). The commission also proposed interim drilling permit application procedures and announced that it will hold its first hearing under the new law on May 20.
The interim guidance is designed to assure that COGCC and oil and gas producers are following the mandate outlined in Senate Bill 181, starting with proposed public criteria to ensure protection of public health, safety, welfare, and the environment, the commission said.
“These objective criteria will be the lodestar for considering whether permits, drilling and spacing unit applications, and
comprehensive drilling plan applications meet SB 181’s mandate,” it explained. Once the commission completes the rulemakings required under the new law, it will withdraw the guidance, it indicated.
Contact Nick Snow at [email protected]
