Colorado Opens 4 Days Of Air Pollution Hearings

AURORA, Colo. (AP) - New air pollution rules for Colorado's oil and gas industry go up for public comment Wednesday.

The state Air Quality Control Commission is opening at least four days of public testimony on a sweeping proposal to force new air-pollution limits on oil and gas producers.

The changes include the nation's first statewide methane-emissions standard for energy producers, as well as new infrared monitors on drilling sites and storage tanks.

State regulators who proposed the rules say they would dramatically improve air quality. Several large producers have signed on to the plan.

The state has put the tab for industry compliance to the stricter air rules at about $40 million a year. The Colorado Petroleum Association puts the cost at about $100 million.

LINK: Hearing Agenda

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