For nearly five years, Colorado’s Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has been working to implement new rules that would protect the health of Coloradans by addressing “cumulative impacts” from oil and gas development. These rules are especially important for communities like Commerce City and north Denver, where overlapping sources of pollution already make the air unsafe to breathe.
The Push for Cumulative Impact Regulations
The ECMC’s draft rules, released earlier this year, aimed to consider the existing pollution levels in a community before allowing new drilling projects. The proposed changes would require oil and gas operators to engage more with local residents and ensure better coordination with air quality regulators. The intention is to take a comprehensive view of pollution, considering not just one project, but how all sources of pollution—from highways to factories—combine to affect local health.
This change is essential for areas like Commerce City, which suffers from some of the highest pollution levels in the country. Here at the Green House Connection Center (GHCC), we’ve seen firsthand how these cumulative impacts can worsen asthma, heart disease, and other health issues, especially in low-income neighborhoods.
A Sudden Pause in the Process
Despite years of work and extensive community input, the rulemaking process is now on hold. Lawmakers recently introduced HB24-1346, a new bill that seeks to expand the ECMC’s authority beyond oil and gas projects to include new technologies like carbon capture. The bill also redefines cumulative impacts to cover all energy activities, not just drilling, and aims to minimize harm to public health and the environment.
Given these changes, the ECMC decided to pause its current rulemaking process to align with the potential legislative updates. According to ECMC Commissioner Jeff Robins, this pause is necessary to give lawmakers time to redefine what the commission should be focusing on. However, this delay is concerning for communities like ours that urgently need stronger protections.
The Impact on Commerce City and North Denver
In Commerce City, where pollution from the Suncor refinery and other industrial operations already affects thousands, delays in regulations can have serious consequences. Approving new oil and gas projects without fully considering their cumulative impacts only worsens the existing air quality crisis. Environmental advocates, like Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson from Earthworks, argue that the state has the tools to better regulate these industries and protect vulnerable communities but needs to act more decisively.
What Comes Next?
While the state rethinks its regulatory approach, it’s crucial for communities like ours to stay involved. The Green House Connection Center remains committed to advocating for stronger rules that prioritize public health. We encourage everyone to stay informed, participate in public hearings, and make their voices heard.
Let’s continue to fight for cleaner air and a healthier future for all our neighbors. Follow us for updates on how you can get involved on this important issue.
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