On January 14th, the Colorado Supreme Court reversed a lower court ruling that required the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) to condition regulatory action on findings that such action would not have negative cumulative impacts on public health and the environment.
“While this reversal is disappointing, it should not be interpreted to mean protection of public health and the environment must take a backseat to the economic interests of oil and gas companies and mineral owners. The court clearly ruled that the COGCC has a duty to prevent and mitigate adverse environmental impacts in order to protect public health, safety and welfare.
“The Commission must continue to use its discretion to prioritize the
protection of Coloradans’ health and environment from the harmful
impacts of oil and gas development in its regulatory decisions. As the
statute requires, the Commission’s policies must be ‘consistent with the
protection of public health, safety and welfare, including protection
of the environment and wildlife resources.’
“EDF is grateful to the engaged and committed young people who initiated
this legal action and so eloquently made their case to the Commission
and to the courts. Addressing climate change is a generational
challenge, and we commend these Coloradans for their bravery in
embracing that challenge.”
- Dan Grossman, National Director of State Programs, Energy
Enviroshop is maintained by dedicated NetSys Interactive Inc. owners & employees who generously contribute their time to maintenance & editing, web design, custom programming, & website hosting for Enviroshop.