On April 16, 2019 Senate Bill 19-181 was signed into law. The overarching effect of SB 19-181 was to direct the mission of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) from "fostering" oil and gas development to "regulating" it in a manner that protects the public health, safety, welfare, and environment and wildlife resources.
Furthermore, SB 19-181 expanded land use authority regarding "surface impacts" of oil and gas operations to be locally regulated in a manner that is more "protective or stricter" than the regulations established by the COGCC.
Based upon the expanded local land use authority offered by SB 19-181, the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners, on July 29, 2021 adopted revised oil and gas regulations for the unincorporated areas of the County.
The revised oil and gas regulations can be found in the regulations tab below or at Article 11.0 of the Larimer County Land Use Code. Article 11.0 contains the current regulatory framework overseeing the development of oil and gas facilities in the County, and specifically directs the regulations to:
- Protect the public health, safety, welfare, and environment and wildlife resources,
- Ensure a comprehensive and transparent public land use process for the development of new oil and gas facilities, and establish criteria for the review and approval or denial of oil and gas applications,
- Avoid impacts to public health, safety, welfare, and the environment and wildlife resources through the application of reasonable siting requirements and land use regulations,
- Minimize to the maximum extent possible the nuisance effects of oil and gas facilities through the application of best available techniques and technologies,
- Maximize protection of natural and cultural resources and public facilities, and
- Confirm the financial, indemnification and insurance capacities of the oil and gas developer/operator to ensure timely an effective construction, production, removal and reclamation of oil and gas facilities and infrastructure.
