Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Supports Stronger Clean Air Rules

In an editorial yesterday, the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel voiced its support for stronger rules to reduce air pollution from booming oil and gas development in western Colorado.

Besides the fact that a stronger rule would better protect residents of western Colorado and lead to cleaner air, the Sentinel also cites another important reason for stronger clean air rules: cost. As the Sentinel explains:

It seems all the more sensible for at least one of the proposed remedies, which can boost revenue to drilling companies for a modest up-front investment.

That remedy involves capturing gases released from condensate tanks on well sites. The conservation group Western Colorado Congress cites figures from federal and state agencies to show that by installing new equipment on the condensate tanks, and capturing the gases that are otherwise simply released into the air, the gas companies can recover the costs of the new equipment over a period of several months to two years.

What a wonderful idea! Controlling air pollution AND making money, what an amazing opportunity for the oil and gas industry.

A condensate tank spews out toxic smog forming pollution, in addition to valuable gases like methane, propane, and butane, which can be recovered for a profit.

And this is not outlandish in the slightest. The air pollution released by condensate tanks is composed of methane, butane, propane, and other valuable gases. A vapor recovery unit can collect these gases, put them back in the sales line, and yield a payback, all while reducing air pollution by 95% or more.

Reducing air pollution to protect human health always makes sense, but when it can be profitable, it's a no-brainer. Support for a stronger rule to reduce air pollution from oil and gas developments in Colorado continues to mount.