Colorado's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has clamped down on drilling in the state, particularly around sensitive habitats. The booming energy industry in the state is fighting the decision.
"Developed after nearly 18 months of deliberation, including scores of public hearings, the regulations are highly specific on some points. One provision, for instance, requires companies extracting natural gas from certain coal seams to treat their water pits so as not to attract mosquitoes that could transmit West Nile virus to pregnant sage grouse.
Industry officials and environmentalists agree that no other state has introduced such rigorous controls on the oil and gas industry. But there is wide disagreement on the impact.
Michael Saul, an attorney for the National Wildlife Federation, said the regulations will ensure, for the first time, 'a voice for wildlife concerns' in the permit process without affecting 'the pace or intensity of development.' He hopes other states will follow suit.
Ken Wonstolen, an attorney for the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, said the regulations allow too much meddling, delay an already-slow permitting process and in general add 'a whole new set of burdensome regulation.'"
FULL STORY: Colorado Tightens Reins on Energy Extraction
Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal for First Time
Solar and wind power generated close to a third of U.S. electricity supplies in 2024.
Louisiana Planning Massive ‘Mystery’ Data Center
The center would be powered by a new, 1,500-megawatt natural gas plant, which critics say will drive up emissions and contribute negatively to the region’s air quality.
High Ozone Levels Threaten New Mexico Oil Town
The small community of Loving, New Mexico has higher ozone levels than dense cities like Los Angeles.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
US Senate Reverses California EV Mandate
The state planned to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, a goal some carmakers deemed impossible to meet.
Trump Cuts Decimate Mapping Agency
The National Geodetic Survey maintains and updates critical spatial reference systems used extensively in both the public and private sectors.
Washington Passes First US ‘Shared Streets’ Law
Cities will be allowed to lower speed limits to 10 miles per hour and prioritize pedestrians on certain streets.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions