Our work in Colorado dates back to the founding of the Oil and Gas Accountability Project in Durango, CO in 1999. We engage with frontline communities in Colorado to protect the environment and public health from the harmful impacts of oil and gas extraction and to ensure that these communities have a voice in a cleaner, sustainable future. We pressure state lawmakers and regulatory bodies as well as local governments across Colorado to pass legislation, reform policies and adopt stricter rules that put the lives of people before the interests of industry and end permitting of all new oil and gas facilities.
Colorado is one of five oil and gas producing states and regions in the US where our field staff conduct frequent investigations of oil and gas facilities using optical gas imaging (OGI) technology. Our OGI videos of pollution are changing the common understanding about the consequences of oil and gas development in Colorado.
The findings of our investigations are used by our community partners to organize their neighbors and push local and state decision makers for stronger regulations and meaningful reforms. We are shining a light on where Colorado’s oil and gas regulations and climate promises fall short to pressure both the present state administration and future administrations to prioritize the public and the environment over extractive industries.
