Important update: State default intensity verification factor.
Regulation Number 7 Part B Section VIII.F.3.a. requires that the division publish one or more state default intensity verification factor(s) starting in 2024, by December 31 of each year through 2029 valid for the following calendar year. Intensity operators must apply a state default intensity verification factor to their Oil and Natural Gas Annual Emissions Inventory Report (ONGAEIR) methane emissions, as outlined by the division unless the operator elects to use an operator-specific program pursuant to Section VIII.F.3.b. The state default intensity verification factor is developed to account for the difference (if any) in monitored methane emissions and reported methane emissions and used in calculating greenhouse gas intensity.
The state default intensity verification factor is 1.164 throughout all regions for implementing the intensity verification rule in 2025. The division developed the 2025 value referencing a pre-print publication in December 2024. A report with the monitoring data and analyses explaining the development of this value will be available by February 2025.
Oil and natural gas methane intensity verification protocol
The Air Pollution Control Division published the Oil and Natural Gas Methane Intensity Verification Protocol in May 2024. This protocol instructs Colorado upstream segment (production and pre-production) oil and gas owners or operators. The protocol focuses on the verification and reporting of methane emissions and calculated greenhouse gas intensities as required by Regulation No. 7, Part B, Sections VIII.F. and VIII.G.
All upstream segment owners or operators in Colorado, regardless of size, must participate in this program. Operators must adhere to the instructions and requirements in the protocol.
The protocol contains details on how operators must:
- Create a measurement-informed inventory of methane emissions.
- This can be accomplished by implementing an operator-specific program or by applying a state-developed default factor.
- Account for the measurement-informed methane emissions and other greenhouse gas emissions in their intensity calculations.
- Develop and implement the processes and compliance requirements for an operator-specific verification program if the operator chooses to establish such a program.
The protocol defines how the air division monitors methane emissions independently, generates state default factors, and reviews and approves operator-specific verification programs. The division will review the protocol annually and updates will be published on this web page.
New facility intensity verification requirements
Operators with new facilities that commenced operation in 2023 must submit, in their own format, the annual verification reports required in Regulation 7, Part B, Section VIII.G.2 by June 30, 2024. Email the completed report to cdphe_apcd_ei@state.co.us.
Greenhouse gas intensity verification rule
The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission adopted the greenhouse gas intensity verification rule in July 2023. The rule was supported by environmental and industry groups. The new rule defines how certain oil and gas facilities must:
- Calculate their greenhouse gas intensity.
- Monitor operations to ensure compliance with intensity standards.
- Keep records to accurately account for emissions from their operations.
Oil and gas upstream operators must comply with new intensity requirements. The intensity requirements will decrease, or reduce emissions), over five years: 2025-2030. The term “intensity” refers to the ratio of a facility’s amount of greenhouse gas emissions over the amount of oil and gas it produces.
How does this affect me and my family?
The greenhouse gas intensity verification rule is part of Colorado’s overall work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change, driven by an increase in greenhouse gasses, is affecting our communities worldwide, including through drought, wildfires, and flooding. That may mean less snow, more extreme snow storms, and warmer temperatures during winter. During summer, that may mean more intense heat with higher energy costs to run fans and cooling equipment (such as air conditioning or evaporative cooling), water shortages, and more frequent days of poor air quality due to ozone development and wildfire smoke. Regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will help reduce these problems.
Regulations on oil and gas operations may affect specific jobs in the oil and gas sector. At the same time, rules on oil and gas operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will help reduce hazardous air pollutants and improve public health in neighborhoods across Colorado.
December 2021 rule revisions
On Dec.17, 2021, the Air Quality Control Commission adopted revised new requirements into Regulation 7, Part D and Regulation 22, Part B. The revisions require oil and gas industry sources to reduce greenhouse gas and other pollutant emissions. Visit the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission website for more information on the rule. Visit the Colorado Air Quality Regulations website to review the revised regulations.
News releases
July 20, 2023: Colorado adopts first-of-its-kind measures to verify greenhouse gas emissions from certain oil and gas sites
Contact us
Questions? Email cdphe.commentsapcd@state.co.us with "GHG Intensity Verification" in the subject line.
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