DENVER — The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) was asked to review and approve hundreds of new wells across Colorado — a process that started Monday morning.
The commission started a three-day hearing in Denver at 9 a.m.
More than 20 companies asked COGCC for permission to drill hundreds of new wells.
Some of these requests have drawn controversy.
8 North and Crestone Peak Resourcessaid it wants to drill in unincorporated Boulder County and Erie, but the county has opposed both applications.
Extraction Oil & Gas said it wants to drill along the Broomfield County-Adams County border in Broomfield, but Adams County as opposed the plan.
The nonprofit 350 Colorado said permits for oil and gas operations in Colorado spiked in 2018, with many of them near schools and homes. The group said it believes there are health and safety concerns the COGCC has failed to consider.
Julia Williams, a volunteer coordinator with 350 Colorado said several organizations plan to speak at Monday's COGCC hearing.
"We are organizing and asking anybody that is concerned about oil and gas issues in Colorado, whether it be environment, public health and safety, climate change, to come and voice their concerns and ask questions to this agency," said Williams.
This week’s hearings are scheduled to take place over three days, Monday through Wednesday.
Monday, July 30:
- Public comment on 8 North (a subsidiary of Extraction Oil and Gas) applications to drill in Boulder County and three pads in Broomfield
Tuesday, July 31:
- Public comment at 9 a.m. on 8 North (a subsidiary of Extraction Oil and Gas) only on another application to drill in Boulder County
- Final hearing on fourth draft of Crestone's Comprehensive Drilling Plan. Crestone plans to drill up to 140 wells from six pads on Boulder County open space land
Wednesday, August 1:
- 9 a.m. public comments on Extraction well pads on the Broomfield County-Adams County line
- General Hearings
The deadline to sign up to give public comment was Friday. However, you can send comment to the COGCC's via this email address.