Fact Sheet | School Setbacks

School Setbacks

4/12/2019

The oil and natural gas industry prides itself on finding constructive solutions to complex issues that arise with developing Colorado’s energy resources in rapidly urbanizing areas. One such issue was the buffer zone between schools, child care facilities, and oil and natural gas drilling.

Strengthening School Setbacks

In response to community feedback, the Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA) worked in conjunction with key stakeholders, including environmental groups and school districts, to reach an agreement regarding the December 2018 Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) rulemaking on changes to the state’s school setback distances.

The existing high occupancy building setback requirement of 1,000 feet did not change; however, the definition of a school facility was greatly expanded. The new definition effectively broadens the boundary to include not just the school building, but also surrounding facilities, such as playgrounds, athletic fields, fences, and other outdoor areas.

Child care centers and sites of future school facilities (including private and charters) are covered by this expanded rule.

The Stakeholders

Crafting this new rule would not have been possible without the work of all parties involved.

Educators:

Adams 12 Five Star Schools
(Brighton) 27J School District
Colorado Association of School Boards

Environmentalists:

Conservation Colorado
League of Oil and Gas Impacted Coloradans
Western Colorado Alliance

Industry Representatives:

Colorado Petroleum Council
Colorado Oil and Gas Association

The Process Works

The process that led to this expanded regulation exemplifies how a good faith stakeholder process can produce regulations that empower interested stakeholders and give them a greater voice, while still allowing one of Colorado’s top industries to continue the vital work of providing affordable energy for all.

Additional Resources & Information

Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) | www.cogcc.state.co.us
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) | www.colorado.gov/cdphe