Health Taking Charge on Oil and Gas

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which has been responsible for issuing record numbers of oil and gas drilling permits at the expense of clean air, is facing the reality of reform.

In response rising concerns over the impacts of oil and gas development to our health, the Colorado Legislature is likely going to pass HB-1341, a bill that would require more health oversight of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. The bill calls for modest reforms, including less industry representation on the Commission and more opportunities for the Department of Public Health to comment on drilling permits. It's received support from the Denver Post and many others, and even industry opposition has simmered down.

That hasn't stopped a few members of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to voice their opposition. One member, Brian Cree, actually resigned. Good riddance, it means there'll be room for more level-headed, open-minded people to be appointed to the Commission.

Hopefully HB-1341 will pass and soon. Colorado is already on track to break more oil and gas drilling records, meaning our clean air is going to be strained even further. Here's a quick look at where we're at for drilling permits:

• So far this year in Colorado, 415 oil and gas drilling permits have been issued in Garfield County, 299 in Weld County, 180 permits in Yuma County, and 84 in Las Animas County.
• Yet by this same time last year, 246 drilling permits were issued in Garfield County, 207 in Weld County, 59 in Yuma County, and 71 in Las Animas County.
• Between this time in 2006 and 2007, the pace of drilling has so far increased by 68% in Garfield County, 44% in Weld County, 200% in Yuma County, and 18% in Las Animas County.