Daily Press Writer
MONTROSE — Colorado is considering new regulations on air quality in the oil and gas industry, and Western Colorado Congress sought Montrose County’s support Monday.
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“They came up with a list of proposals I think have a wide amount of support,” Patterson said.
Patterson said WCC organized a successful campaign to increase stormwater regulation, and is leading the effort to increase regulations on air pollution.
“Now, we are here again to talk to you about another form of pollution from energy development,” he said.
Oil and gas companies use giant engines to move and compress energy. These motors are usually diesel and produce pollution. Over the last decade, the oil and gas industry has grown significantly in Colorado and regulators are continually trying to address problems.
“If you have ever been around oil and gas operations, there are huge internal combustion engines,” Patterson said.
Commissioner Allan Belt was concerned about jurisdiction. He said the commissioners supported the stormwater discharge regulation because there was a conflict between the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
“I think this is totally outside the regulations of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission,” Patterson said.
He said the air pollution regulation on the oil and gas industry were a new area of regulation for CDPHE. He said new regulations appear to have support.
“I think this is going to happen,” Patterson said.
Dale Reed, a community activist with WCC, also urged the commissioners to support the new regulations. He said tourism in Colorado depends on clean air, and the new regulations would help the state preserve a high quality of life.
“Tourism is a renewable industry,” Reed said.
Patterson submitted a draft resolution and asked for the commissioners’ support.
“In my opinion, it would be helpful if the West Slope counties supported the public health department,” Patterson said.
Belt said he supported clean air, but did not want to damage the energy industry.
“That is a no brainer,” Belt said. “We want to protect our air.”
He said the energy industry is important to Montrose County and he was hesitant to support the air quality regulations.
“I don’t want to be part of anything that runs the oil and gas companies out of this state and county,” Belt said.
The commissioners took no action on the resolution and said they will discuss the matter at a later date.
Contact James Shea via email at Jamess@montrosepress.com
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