Colorado approves new regulations to limit air pollution from oil and gas drilling

Colorado [USA] health and environment officials approved this week a set of new rules to limit air pollution from oil and gas drilling in the state, along with nation's first plan to detect and reduce methane emissions. The new regulations will require operators to perform frequent checks for leaks using infrared cameras and other technologies.

Several industry leaders voluntarily implemented the new rules when they were proposed late last year, but now the measures will be required of all operators across the state.

"This is a huge breakthrough for cleaner air and a safer climate. Getting to this point took serious resolve and a willingness to find common ground," said Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund. (Reuters)

Governor John Hickenlooper said that the regulations are a result of collaboration and compromise among various stakeholders, including citizen groups, government, and the energy industry.

"The new rules approved by (the commission), after taking input from varied and often conflicting interests, will ensure Colorado has the cleanest and safest oil and gas industry in the country and help preserve jobs," the governor said.

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