Colorado to Set New Emission Standards for Oil Industry
The state now has 50,000 oil wells, a number that is increasing by 2,000 wells each year.
Officials in Colorado are looking for ways to curb high emission rates resulting from the gas and oil industry. At least 600 tons of contaminants are released daily and these emissions are the main source source of volatile organic compounds in Colorado. Additionally, they are the third-largest source of nitrogen oxides in the state.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has stepped in to create new standards that will minimize this pollution. Governor John Hickenlooper appointed a nine-member panel to vote on air pollution rules.
Colorado now has more than 50,000 oil and gas wells, increasing by about 2,000 wells annually.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will now enforce air and pollution rules, and started with the adoption of recently passed EPA standards.
New proposed measures include strengthening storage tank emission controls and establishing leak-detection and repair requirements, among other standards.