New report shows COGCC fails to enforce its own rules: 516 spills in 2011, only 5 fines assessed

New report shows COGCC fails to enforce its own rules: 516 spills in 2011, only 5 fines assessed by Earthworks, March 20, 2012
Oversight failure demonstrates local jurisdictions shouldn’t be stripped of oil & gas regulatory authority…highlights of the Colorado-specific findings include: As the number of wells drilled increases in Colorado, the number of inspections is decreasing. It is physically impossible for existing COGCC inspection staff to inspect every well once per year. Many rule violations are not recorded, and very few violators are penalized. For those who are penalized, $1000/day maximum fines are inadequate to deter irresponsible operations. “The COGCC’s mission is to foster responsible oil and gas development by balancing drilling with protection of landowners, public health, and the environment, “said Gwen Lachelt, Earthworks’ OGAP Director. “Right now, the COGCC’s rules, like its mission statement, are just empty words on a page. There is no balance here,” she said….As this report is released, the Colorado Legislature is considering whether to follow Pennsylvania in stripping local governments of the ability to regulate oil and gas development…. On Colorado’s Front Range, which is experiencing a drilling boom, many local governments are considering ordinances that prohibit drilling within city limits, in part because of the state’s inadequate enforcement.

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