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BOULDER, CO — Colorado House Speaker KC Becker today released the following statement after the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released a study indicating health impacts of emissions from oil and gas operations within 2,000 feet of homes and occupied buildings: “In passing SB19-181, we created a new approach to oil and gas regulation that prioritizes public health and safety and empowers regulators to more closely review permits and establish rules for reducing emissions and improving leak detection. Today’s report highlights the immediate need for the state to address air quality by increasing monitoring, expediting rulemaking, and conducting a robust health impact study to fully understand how oil and gas operations are affecting public health. I am encouraged by the steps announced today to advance additional public health protections as the COGCC continues working to implement SB19-181, and call on them to continue taking urgent action to address air quality and health impacts of oil and gas operations.” Last session, the General Assembly passed landmark legislation to overhaul the state’s oil and gas regulations to prioritize public health. SB19-181, sponsored by Speaker Becker and Rep. Caraveo (D-Thornton), allows local governments a say in regulating oil and gas operations. It also directs the state’s Air Quality Control Commission to reduce emissions and increase air monitoring. The rulemaking process for these new regulations is currently underway.