By: Laurie Anderson, Colorado Field Organizer
Date: September 16, 2026
About: Regulation 7 Control of Emissions from Oil and Gas Operations
To: Colorado Air Quality Control Commission
Good afternoon. My name is Laurie Anderson, and I am a Colorado Field Organizer with Moms Clean Air Force, a community of over 1.6 million moms, dads, and caregivers united against air pollution—including the urgent crisis of our changing climate—to protect our children’s health.
I have spoken before this Commission many times over the years, but today feels especially significant. We have been on a long journey, one that has not always been easy, and, more recently, the adoption of federal methane protections in 2024 has helped bring us to this important moment. Today, Colorado has the opportunity to fully adopt the EPA’s 2024 methane standards for existing oil and gas sources, known as OOOOc, into state regulations.
Adopting these standards will do more than reduce pollution. It will reaffirm Colorado’s commitment to protecting public health, welfare, and the environment, regardless of future changes at the federal level. It will also demonstrate to other states that strong methane protections are achievable when regulators, communities, and industry work together.
Last week, Moms Clean Air Force joined together with a dozen organizations in submitting a letter supporting the Division’s proposal to fully adopt the EPA's 2024 methane standards for existing sources into Regulation 7. This rulemaking is the third and final step—following two unanimous approvals by this Commission. By completing this effort, Colorado will be the first state in the nation to fully integrate these federal methane standards into state-level regulations, expanding Colorado’s legacy as the national leader on reducing oil and gas methane pollution.
We urge the Commission to support two critical provisions in the proposed rule. First, maximize methane and co-pollutant emissions reductions by extending requirements for closed vent systems, covers, and enclosed combustion devices to all facilities covered under Regulation 7. Second, ensure that venting and flaring standards align with the more stringent ECMC rules which prohibit routine flaring except in limited circumstances.
Colorado remains in severe ozone nonattainment, and strong methane controls are critical to improving air quality. These protections will help improve air quality—bringing us another step closer to regaining ozone attainment while also reducing toxic co-pollutants that contribute to unhealthy air. Frontline communities like mine deeply appreciate the work this Commission continues to do to protect our communities, the air our children breathe, and the climate they will inherit.
Thank you for your diligence, your leadership, and your commitment to public health. Again, I urge you to adopt the proposed rules as drafted.
Thank you for your time.