ARTICLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Scott Prestidge scott.prestidge@coga.org DENVER – The following is a statement from the Colorado Oil & Gas Association on the new flowline rules that were approved tonight by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) after a robust, months-long stakeholder process: “Even before this rulemaking took place, Colorado had the most comprehensive flowline rules in the nation as we test the integrity of these lines more often than anywhere else in the country. Now, with these new rules on public mapping and abandonment protocols, Colorado’s tough rules are even more stringent and will hopefully continue to assure Coloradans of the ongoing safety of flowlines,” said Dan Haley, President and CEO of COGA. “We also want to express our appreciation for all of the hard work COGCC’s staff put into drafting the rules and listening to a diverse group of stakeholders from across the state. We were grateful to be part of the process as our industry’s top value is safety. “While we’re comfortable with many aspects on the new regulations, we do have concerns. Flowlines can be abandoned in place safely, and their removal can sometimes have serious negative impacts, depending on the situation. That includes potentially tearing up the ground of neighborhoods, farm lands, wildlife areas, while also generating unnecessary emissions and putting workers’ safety at risk. “Industry will remove lines where needed to protect public health, safety and the environment unless, in specific circumstances, it is more protective to leave them in the ground. “We support making maps of flowlines more accessible to the public, and we believe under these new rules it can be done with heightened protections to avoid people forgoing the 8-1-1 “one-call system” to mark lines, and digging without those lines being physically located. “As these new mapping requirements, inspection requirements, and local coordination requirements are put into practice, we hope the director and his team continue to work with industry and our technical experts,” Haley added. 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 following is a statement from the Colorado Oil & Gas Association on the new flowline rules that were approved tonight by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) after a robust, months-long stakeholder process: “Even before this rulemaking took place, Colorado had the most comprehensive flowline rules in the nation as we test the integrity of these lines more often than anywhere else in the country. Now, with these new rules on public mapping and abandonment protocols, Colorado’s tough rules are even more stringent and will hopefully continue to assure Coloradans of the ongoing safety of flowlines,” said Dan Haley, President and CEO of COGA. “We also want to express our appreciation for all of the hard work COGCC’s staff put into drafting the rules and listening to a diverse group of stakeholders from across the state. We were grateful to be part of the process as our industry’s top value is safety. “While we’re comfortable with many aspects on the new regulations, we do have concerns. Flowlines can be abandoned in place safely, and their removal can sometimes have serious negative impacts, depending on the situation. That includes potentially tearing up the ground of neighborhoods, farm lands, wildlife areas, while also generating unnecessary emissions and putting workers’ safety at risk. “Industry will remove lines where needed to protect public health, safety and the environment unless, in specific circumstances, it is more protective to leave them in the ground. “We support making maps of flowlines more accessible to the public, and we believe under these new rules it can be done with heightened protections to avoid people forgoing the 8-1-1 “one-call system” to mark lines, and digging without those lines being physically located. “As these new mapping requirements, inspection requirements, and local coordination requirements are put into practice, we hope the director and his team continue to work with industry and our technical experts,” Haley added. 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.