Government and Regulatory Reform

• Current Initiatives
• 2007 Legislative Update
• Recent Improvements to State Regulations
• Visit our "Best Regulations" web page

Current Initiatives

NEW MEXICO:  OGAP is working with citizens and organizations in New Mexico to improve the rules that govern the disposal and storage of oil and gas wastes.  The New Mexico Oil Conservation Division has committed to updating the rules governing surface waste disposal (e.g., landfarmining and landfilling of oil and gas wastes) and oil and gas waste pits.  If you are interested in becoming involved in changing these rules, please contact OGAP.

• Read about the New and Improved Surface Waste Rules
• See OCD website for new rules on waste pits and disposal to be released in April 2008

COLORADO:  OGAP and several citizen-based groups from around the state will be participating in hearings with the COGCC and the CDPHE to develop new regulations that focus on public health issues.  To learn more please contact OGAP.

2007 Legislative Update

• New Mexico Surface Owner Protection Act
• Colorado Surface Owner Protection Act

Recent Improvements to State Regulations

• In 2005 and 2006, OGAP worked with citizens and organizations from across Colorado to improve the regulation of noise from oil and gas facilities. In 2005, we helped to get some more stringent noise rules put in place, but industry challenged the new noise rule and managed to overturn a provision to lower the noise in residential areas.  Read about how the Colorado oil and gas noise rule provides more protection for landowners.

• In 2006, OGAP submitted comments and worked with the planning and zoning commission of Bozeman, Montana to enact The Bozeman Pass Zoning Regulation in reponse to the increase in coal bed methane activity in the area. 

             Read the draft regulation.

             Read OGAP's comments.

For More Information

Best Regulations and Practices Information

• OGAP's Best Practices
• OGAP's Best Regulations
• OGAP's Model County Regulations
• Links to information on Best Practices