Colorado’s latest efforts to address oil and gas pollution must include well integrity standards

(DENVER, CO) Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed an executive order today to initiate plans aimed at reducing pollution from the state’s abandoned and orphaned wells. However, the executive order does not include provisions that would address the integrity and safety of tens of thousands of active wells across Colorado.

“We appreciate the Governor’s efforts, as orphan wells are a long term environmental problem that deserves attention, but Colorado should prioritize the health and safety of communities living in the state’s active oil fields. Leaks and catastrophic blowouts can result from poorly constructed and maintained oil and gas wells, and Colorado needs to update its rules to ensure industry is minimizing these risks.”  
 
•    Dan Grossman, National Director of State Programs, Oil & Gas