ARTICLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Scott Prestidge scott.prestidge@coga.org DENVER – The Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA) responds to the long-awaited independent health study funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), released after roughly 18 months of peer review. “Industry contributed willingly and openly during the data gathering that was completed over several years and inputted into modeling to conduct this study. Most importantly, results confirm there are no anticipated long-term health impacts, including cancer, for people living near oil and natural gas development, which is what we’ve seen in previous analyses as well. “The study’s model did estimate that there may be rare periods of time when a small subset of compounds could theoretically reach levels, under worst-case conditions, that exceed short-term health guideline values, specifically during the pre-production phase known as flowback. According to this model, even in those hypothetical scenarios, there would still be low health risks from any acute exposure. This is positive and helpful information for any Coloradan concerned about living near oil and natural gas development. “It’s important to note that the informing data samples were taken five years ago, and industry practices at the time for the flowback portion of pre-production were very different than they are today. The rate of innovation in the field is impressive, and it is now commonplace to use practices and technologies that significantly reduce flowback emissions. “While we don’t think policy decisions should be based on modeling, the state is taking the next step and will begin extensive air monitoring at certain sites, using the results to inform where and when those measurements should occur. That new data will also inform permitting and rulemaking in the coming weeks and months. Colorado-based oil and natural gas companies have made great strides when it comes to protecting our air quality, and we look forward to working with regulators as new air measurement data become available. “Our industry values what Coloradans value. We value clean air and clean water. We value the safety of our workforce and the communities where they live. That’s why we were pleased to see this study bear out what other studies have said. We’re ready to work with the state as they set up their new monitoring initiative and to continue working to protect the health and safety of Coloradans.” -- Dan Haley, President and CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association About COGA Founded in 1984, the Colorado Oil & Gas Association’s (COGA) mission is to 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 supports the responsible expansion of oil and natural gas markets, supply, and transportation infrastructure through its growing and diverse membership.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Scott Prestidge scott.prestidge@coga.org
DENVER – The Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA) responds to the long-awaited independent health study funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), released after roughly 18 months of peer review. “Industry contributed willingly and openly during the data gathering that was completed over several years and inputted into modeling to conduct this study. Most importantly, results confirm there are no anticipated long-term health impacts, including cancer, for people living near oil and natural gas development, which is what we’ve seen in previous analyses as well. “The study’s model did estimate that there may be rare periods of time when a small subset of compounds could theoretically reach levels, under worst-case conditions, that exceed short-term health guideline values, specifically during the pre-production phase known as flowback. According to this model, even in those hypothetical scenarios, there would still be low health risks from any acute exposure. This is positive and helpful information for any Coloradan concerned about living near oil and natural gas development. “It’s important to note that the informing data samples were taken five years ago, and industry practices at the time for the flowback portion of pre-production were very different than they are today. The rate of innovation in the field is impressive, and it is now commonplace to use practices and technologies that significantly reduce flowback emissions. “While we don’t think policy decisions should be based on modeling, the state is taking the next step and will begin extensive air monitoring at certain sites, using the results to inform where and when those measurements should occur. That new data will also inform permitting and rulemaking in the coming weeks and months. Colorado-based oil and natural gas companies have made great strides when it comes to protecting our air quality, and we look forward to working with regulators as new air measurement data become available. “Our industry values what Coloradans value. We value clean air and clean water. We value the safety of our workforce and the communities where they live. That’s why we were pleased to see this study bear out what other studies have said. We’re ready to work with the state as they set up their new monitoring initiative and to continue working to protect the health and safety of Coloradans.” -- Dan Haley, President and CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association About COGA Founded in 1984, the Colorado Oil & Gas Association’s (COGA) mission is to 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 supports the responsible expansion of oil and natural gas markets, supply, and transportation infrastructure through its growing and diverse membership.