Oil and Gas Cumulative Impacts Policy in Colorado: Evaluation of Volatile Organic Compounds and Health Impacts

Abstract

In 2019, the Colorado Senate passed SB 19-181, a pivotal measure designed to regulate oil and gas development for the safeguarding of public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and wildlife resources. One crucial component of this legislation mandates the Colorado Energy Carbon and Management Commission (CECMC) address and evaluate the potential cumulative impacts stemming from oil and gas development. However, years later, the definition of cumulative impacts has yet to be established. Pursuant to HB 23-1294, the CECMC has until April 28, 2024 to promulgate rules that evaluate and address the cumulative impacts of oil and gas operations which must include a definition of cumulative impacts. Numerous organizations, community groups, and residents have recommended that the CECMC concentrate its efforts on aggregating and assessing information regarding the intersection of emissions from oil and gas sources with pollutants from other origins and determine thresholds for denying new oil and gas permits. This talk will build off those recommendations and discuss key insights from five years of air quality monitoring focused on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted near new oil and gas development sites in Colorado. Emphasis will be placed on elucidating why an evaluation of cumulative impacts, particularly concerning VOC exposure and its associated health effects, should constitute an integral component of the CECMC's prerequisites when considering permits for new oil and gas sites across the state.