A year ago, oil and gas companies in Colorado started following a new set of rules aimed at doing a better job of protecting people's health and the environment in areas that had seen a spike in drilling activity. The sweeping changes include more controls on the industry, such as limits on drilling near some rivers and streams. Companies must do more to protect wildlife habitat, and install equipment to control odors from wells in certain areas. Some industry and political leaders said the rules would make it harder to operate in Colorado and force companies to invest elsewhere. Landowners and environmental groups said the changes would lead to safer, more responsible energy development.
Colorado Public Radio's Anna Panoka has this report on how the controversial rules are playing out.
Click here for the December 2009 report on COGCC approval of the new regulations
Click here for the March 2008 report on the drafting of new oil and gas regulations
