Colo. health officials mulling drilling air rules

Air quality is the next frontier in Colorado’s oil and gas debate, with state health officials considering new rules to deal with an industry that emits at least 600 tons of contaminants a day.

The Denver Post reports Monday that oil and gas emissions now are the main source of volatile organic compounds in Colorado and the third-largest source of nitrogen oxides.

The Colorado Department of Health and Environment is edging toward possible new rules to reduce pollution. Because the oil and gas producers are mostly regulated by the industry-friendly Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission, environmental activists are hoping the health department puts stricter control on the industry. The health department’s options include expanding pollution controls that currently apply in the metro Denver and northern Front Range areas.