ARTICLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Scott Prestidge scott.prestidge@coga.org DENVER – Colorado’s oil and natural gas industry continues to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of ground-level ozone as part of its ongoing commitment to being good stewards of our environment. Since 2011, the state’s oil and gas industry nearly halved its emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the Denver Metro/North Front Range (DMNFR) ozone nonattainment area, while oil production quadrupled statewide. “Despite the air pollution challenges associated with increasing population, our ozone levels have improved over time,” according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). To assist with this critical challenge, Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA) member companies, representing at least 85 percent of production in the nonattainment area, including both drilling and completion companies, are participating in a voluntary program during the 2019 peak-ozone season. “In recognition of Earth Day, we are announcing that our producers and midstream companies will be working overtime this summer to reduce the number of ozone exceedance days. Every company is unique and afforded different opportunities to help continue the progress our state is making toward cleaner air. While our industry can’t do it alone, the cumulation of individual voluntary efforts makes a big difference, and we are happy to do our part,” said Dan Haley, President & CEO of COGA. Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed when VOCs and nitrogen oxides (NOx) combine in the presence of sunlight and heat, according to the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC). “Weather plays a key role in ozone formation. The highest ozone levels are usually recorded in summer months when temperatures approach the high 80s and 90s and the wind is stagnant or light.” Also according to RAQC data, during high ozone days along Colorado’s Front Range, emission transport from outside the state can range from 73 percent to 83 percent of the total. Our topography and weather patterns contribute to this dynamic, and it presents Colorado with a unique challenge. While air quality continues to improve over time, and we saw compliance with the 2008 EPA ozone standard of 75 parts per billion within the DMNFR in 2017, fires contributed to a greater number of poor air quality days in 2018 and the DMNFR fell out of compliance once again. The 2019 voluntary industry program will run from June 1 to September 30 and a variety of voluntary emissions reduction measures during forecasted high-ozone days can be deployed based on individual company assets, facilities, and production schedules. Possible ozone mitigation activities include but are not limited to the following: Alternate vehicle fueling times Reduced vehicle traffic and miles traveled Managed drilling and completions on high ozone days to reduce emissions Lower emitting tank load outs Delayed operational activites on high ozone days It is important to note that background ozone levels are highest in the western United States and are caused by other domestic and international sources. Consequently, addressing ozone-related challenges in Colorado is extremely difficult. This requires an economy-wide undertaking, because depending on the day, only 20 to 35 percent of the emissions needed to form ozone in the nonattainment area are actually produced by Colorado-based human activity. These activities include but are not limited to cars, boats, planes, tractors, as well as industrial plants, lawn and garden equipment, and even household products like paints, solvents, and hair spray. “Colorado’s oil and gas industry has seen significant reductions of ozone-causing emissions in recent years,” Haley said. “That’s due to technological innovation, regulatory initiatives currently on the books, and leadership from various sectors of our economy.” Additional information is available via COGA’s “Facts on CEO” and “Resources” webpages. COGA is also promoting the efforts of Simple Steps. Better Air, the public education initiative by the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC). About COGA Founded in 1984, the Colorado Oil & Gas Association’s (COGA) mission is to foster and promote the beneficial, efficient, responsible and environmentally sound development, production and use of Colorado oil and natural gas. COGA is a nationally recognized trade association that aggressively promotes the expansion of Rocky Mountain natural gas markets, supply, and transportation infrastructure through its growing and diverse membership.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Scott Prestidge scott.prestidge@coga.org
DENVER – Colorado’s oil and natural gas industry continues to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of ground-level ozone as part of its ongoing commitment to being good stewards of our environment. Since 2011, the state’s oil and gas industry nearly halved its emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the Denver Metro/North Front Range (DMNFR) ozone nonattainment area, while oil production quadrupled statewide. “Despite the air pollution challenges associated with increasing population, our ozone levels have improved over time,” according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). To assist with this critical challenge, Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA) member companies, representing at least 85 percent of production in the nonattainment area, including both drilling and completion companies, are participating in a voluntary program during the 2019 peak-ozone season. “In recognition of Earth Day, we are announcing that our producers and midstream companies will be working overtime this summer to reduce the number of ozone exceedance days. Every company is unique and afforded different opportunities to help continue the progress our state is making toward cleaner air. While our industry can’t do it alone, the cumulation of individual voluntary efforts makes a big difference, and we are happy to do our part,” said Dan Haley, President & CEO of COGA. Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed when VOCs and nitrogen oxides (NOx) combine in the presence of sunlight and heat, according to the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC). “Weather plays a key role in ozone formation. The highest ozone levels are usually recorded in summer months when temperatures approach the high 80s and 90s and the wind is stagnant or light.” Also according to RAQC data, during high ozone days along Colorado’s Front Range, emission transport from outside the state can range from 73 percent to 83 percent of the total. Our topography and weather patterns contribute to this dynamic, and it presents Colorado with a unique challenge. While air quality continues to improve over time, and we saw compliance with the 2008 EPA ozone standard of 75 parts per billion within the DMNFR in 2017, fires contributed to a greater number of poor air quality days in 2018 and the DMNFR fell out of compliance once again. The 2019 voluntary industry program will run from June 1 to September 30 and a variety of voluntary emissions reduction measures during forecasted high-ozone days can be deployed based on individual company assets, facilities, and production schedules. Possible ozone mitigation activities include but are not limited to the following:
It is important to note that background ozone levels are highest in the western United States and are caused by other domestic and international sources. Consequently, addressing ozone-related challenges in Colorado is extremely difficult. This requires an economy-wide undertaking, because depending on the day, only 20 to 35 percent of the emissions needed to form ozone in the nonattainment area are actually produced by Colorado-based human activity. These activities include but are not limited to cars, boats, planes, tractors, as well as industrial plants, lawn and garden equipment, and even household products like paints, solvents, and hair spray. “Colorado’s oil and gas industry has seen significant reductions of ozone-causing emissions in recent years,” Haley said. “That’s due to technological innovation, regulatory initiatives currently on the books, and leadership from various sectors of our economy.” Additional information is available via COGA’s “Facts on CEO” and “Resources” webpages. COGA is also promoting the efforts of Simple Steps. Better Air, the public education initiative by the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC).
About COGA Founded in 1984, the Colorado Oil & Gas Association’s (COGA) mission is to foster and promote the beneficial, efficient, responsible and environmentally sound development, production and use of Colorado oil and natural gas. COGA is a nationally recognized trade association that aggressively promotes the expansion of Rocky Mountain natural gas markets, supply, and transportation infrastructure through its growing and diverse membership.