CO SB186

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and Water Quality Control Division must conduct a study on methane seepage in the Raton Basin by June 30, 2025, in consultation with local governments and state agencies.

The study must identify best management practices for capturing methane seepage, evaluate water quality from capture operations, and assess potential for beneficial use of captured water.

Study requirements include surveying seepage areas, detailed mapping, sampling and analysis of gases from seepage areas, and sampling and analysis of water from wells in the Raton Basin.

$558,500 is appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources from the oil and gas conservation and environmental response fund, and $85,361 is appropriated to the Department of Public Health and Environment from the general fund for fiscal year 2023-24.

The statute is automatically repealed effective July 1, 2025, upon completion of the study.