Input from citizens and local governments is an important and unique step in the energy development process in Colorado. Coloradans can participate in the following ways:

Participate: Local public comment periods provide individuals a chance to ask questions about how energy development will take place in their community.

Attend: City council and county commissions regularly hold public meetings to discuss concerns so needs are met before development begins.

Learn: The local permitting and zoning process allows cities and counties to determine when and where oil and natural gas activity occurs. Additionally, local governments collect taxes and permit fees from companies.

 
More than 30 counties in Colorado have also updated local rules to meet their community’s specific needs by implementing the following options:

• Many local governments have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which is a legally binding agreement between companies and local governments setting out rules before development even begins. As an incentive for meeting these special requirements, companies receive their permits through a more thorough process.
• Cities and counties can appoint a Local Government Designee (LGD) to represent their community interests before the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), the state agency charged with regulating oil and natural gas development in Colorado.

To learn more about oil and natural gas development rules and regulations in Colorado, visit the COGCC’s complete list.