The Colorado State Health Department’s Air Pollution Control Division is seeking input on a new proposed framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from certain oil and gas operations. The framework outlines recommendations from the Midstream Steering Committee. The report and public feedback will help inform a new proposed state rule. The division will develop the rule proposal for new requirements to protect clean air in Colorado communities and address climate change. The division’s proposal is likely to include groundbreaking requirements that would be the first of its kind in the nation.
“Colorado is already a national leader in enacting innovative requirements to reduce harmful air pollution from oil and gas operations. We continue to demonstrate that leadership with this new planning process,” said Michael Ogletree, the director of the state’s Air Pollution Control Division. “All Coloradans deserve a seat at the table to help protect our clean air. With your input, we can continue developing the strongest proposals possible.”
The Midstream Steering Committee’s report is available for review in English and Spanish. The committee is a technical working group composed of diverse representatives from Colorado communities, industry, local governments, electric utilities, and state agencies. Since 2022, the committee met regularly to develop recommendations to inform the development of a forthcoming statewide rule. The committee was tasked with making suggestions for how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while prioritizing protections for disproportionately impacted communities. This aligns with requirements in the Colorado Environmental Justice Act.
The report focuses on midstream oil and gas operations. “Midstream” operations include gathering, compressing, and processing natural gas. These types of facilities include compressor stations and gas plants. Midstream facilities exist in 20 counties statewide. The majority of greenhouse gas emissions come from facilities in Weld, Garfield, and Rio Blanco counties.
Midstream facilities are classified as part of the industrial and manufacturing sector. The Colorado Environmental Justice Act requires the state to develop rules that will reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions from that sector by at least 20 percent by 2030, compared to 2015 levels. This work will also help Colorado advance toward its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as outlined in Colorado’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap.
To achieve these goals, the division will develop a new rule proposal requiring midstream facilities to innovate and reduce emissions. This work will involve reducing emissions from fuel combustion equipment like engines, turbines, and heaters.
The division will accept written feedback on the Midstream Steering Committee’s framework and suggestions until 5 p.m. on June 10, 2024. In addition, the division will hold two online public meetings for Coloradans to provide their comments. The meetings will focus on the report and upcoming rulemaking. Registration is required:
• Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 6-8 p.m.
• Saturday, June 8, 2024, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
The division will use the committee’s report, public feedback, and its independent judgment to develop a rule proposal. In August 2024, the division will present its initial proposal to the Air Quality Control Commission. The division will request that the commission hold a rulemaking hearing in December 2024.
The upcoming rulemaking is one of many ways Colorado is working to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions. Recent actions include:
- Phase one and phase two of the greenhouse gas emissions and energy management rules, adopted in 2021 and 2023.
- The Colorado Clean Cars and Advanced Clean Trucks rules, adopted in 2023.
- The building performance standards rule, adopted in 2023.
- The greenhouse gas intensity verification rule, adopted in 2023.
- The recovered methane protocols and credit tracking system, adopted in 2022 and launched in 2023.
