The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission unanimously broadened a requirement that oil and gas operations be located at least 1,000 ft from schools and child care centers on Dec. 18. The new rule redefines a school and requires well operators to notify local governments and owners of hospitals, extended care centers, and correctional facilities which regularly serve 50 or more people before activity begins.
Colorado Oil & Gas Association Pres. Dan Haley applauded the results. “The oil and gas industry participated in countless meetings and conversations over the past year with schools and school districts, and participating environmental organizations, and we are proud of what has been accomplished,” he said.
“If we take the time to work on important and complex issues together, we can find constructive solutions. That is the Colorado way, and we are grateful for all who negotiated in good faith, enabling us to reach a successful outcome that will serve this state for years to come,” Haley maintained.
The COGCC’s action came six weeks after voters rejected a ballot initiative which would have established a 2,500 ft setback (OGJ Online, Nov. 7, 2018).
About the Author
Nick Snow
NICK SNOW covered oil and gas in Washington for more than 30 years. He worked in several capacities for The Oil Daily and was founding editor of Petroleum Finance Week before joining OGJ as its Washington correspondent in September 2005 and becoming its full-time Washington editor in October 2007. He retired from OGJ in January 2020.