We’re protecting Colorado from oil & gas drilling.
Oil and gas drilling has jeopardized the health and safety of Colorado communities, especially our most marginalized neighborhoods. The increased frequency of placing oil rigs near homes and schools is turning many low-income neighborhoods and communities of color into industrial zones. Oil and gas drilling is also harmful to the lands, waters, and wildlife in the surrounding areas.
Accountability at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC)
The ECMC has historically focused on advancing oil and gas development in the state with little regard for public health or the environment. Starting in 2019, after legislation was passed, the commission was directed to develop several rulemakings related to cumulative impacts, public engagement, and environmental justice.
Unfortunately, after five years of delays, the final ECMC cumulative impacts rules left much to be desired. In 2025, the Sierra Club will lead efforts to hold the ECMC and Governor Polis accountable, opposing fracking permits alongside community partners. This work will focus on building public pressure for proper analysis of cumulative impacts and stronger community protections. We’ll also urge Governor Polis to support communities affected by oil and gas operations, leverage the media to highlight ECMC issues, and empower Coloradans to challenge the oil and gas industry.
Join the Oil & Gas Committee:
The Colorado Sierra Club Oil and Gas Committee, formed in 2021 to address the growing threats to human health, wildlife, and biological resources in the state, works through grassroots education, outreach, rulemaking, field monitoring, data collection on existing operations, and reviewing applications for new or expanded drilling sites.
Contact Senior Climate and Energy Organizer, Sarah Tresedder, at sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, to get involved!