SB 23-186

Senate Bill 23-186, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2023, requires the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the state’s Water Quality Control Division to conduct a study in the Raton Basin. This study aims to identify ways to capture methane gas that is leaking from oil wells, assess how this captured methane might affect water quality, and explore if the resulting water can be used beneficially. The research will involve mapping areas where methane leaks are suspected or have occurred previously, analyzing samples of both gases and water, and coordinating with various state agencies and local governments in Las Animas and Huerfano counties. The findings must be submitted to relevant legislative committees by June 30, 2025. This bill will help address environmental concerns related to methane emissions and water quality in the Raton Basin area.

Official Summary

The act requires the Colorado oil and gas conservation commission (commission) and the water quality control division (division) in the department of public health and environment, in consultation with local governments, to perform a study that: Identifies best management practices for capturing methane seepage in the Raton basin; Evaluates the quality of water resulting from such methane capture operations; and Evaluates the potential to preserve and make beneficial use of such water. The primary objectives of the study are to: Proactively and systematically locate and survey methane gas seepage in the Raton basin; Document previous areas of seepage; Calculate any differences in seepage amounts; and Assess the potential for methane to create hazardous conditions. The study must include: A survey to identify suspected seepage areas, previous seepage areas, and increases or decreases in seepage; Detailed mapping of suspected seepage areas; Sampling and analysis of gas collected from selected seepage areas; and Sampling and analysis of water from selected water wells and methane capture wells in the Raton basin. In performing the study, the commission and the division shall coordinate with: The Colorado energy office; The division of water resources in the department of natural resources; The division of mining, reclamation, and safety in the department of natural resources; The division of parks and wildlife created in the department of natural resources; and The boards of county commissioners in Las Animas and Huerfano counties. The commission must complete the study and submit it to legislative committees of reference by June 30, 2025. For the 2023-2024 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $558,500 from the oil and gas conservation and environmental response fund to the department of natural resources, for use by the commission, and $85,361 from the general fund to the department of public health and environment. APPROVED by Governor June 2, 2023 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023 NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Votes