RESOLUTION NO. 159-06

A RESOLUTION TO PROTECT COLORADO’S AIR

FROM OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION EMISSIONS

WHEREAS, energy development is occurring at an unprecedented pace in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West; and

WHEREAS, the energy industry predicts as many as 400,000 new oil and gas wells will be drilled in the United States over the next 15 years, many of which are expected to be located in this state; and

WHEREAS, oil and gas exploration and production releases air pollution, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide; and

WHEREAS, air pollution from oil and gas exploration and production is only marginally controlled, if at all; and

WHEREAS, this air pollution contributes to the formation of smog, also known as ozone pollution, poses health threats to our communities, contributes to the loss of scenic vistas in Colorado’s pristine areas, and poses threats to economic well-being; and

WHEREAS, air quality in Colorado will decline from increased air pollution from oil and gas developments; and

WHEREAS, air pollution problems may lead to economic sanctions, loss of business, and burdensome federal regulations; and

WHEREAS, Colorado counties and municipalities where residents have been impacted by the rapid increase in oil and gas development are unable to independently act under the current regulatory framework to reduce air pollution from this development; and

WHEREAS, other industries and private citizens in Colorado are doing their part to reduce air pollution; and

WHEREAS, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission is considering a proposal by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Air Pollution Control Division that would require further reductions in emissions of smog-forming compounds from condensate tanks, glycol dehydrators, and reciprocating internal combustion engines statewide; and

WHEREAS, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission has the authority to act on air pollution problems, to be proactive, rather than reactive, in reducing air pollution from oil and gas exploration and production activities, and to adopt the Division’s proposed rules.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Grand Junction, Colorado supports the smog reduction rules proposed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Grand Junction supports strengthening the Air Pollution Control Division’s proposed rule for communities on the Western Slope by adopting the Denver metro area rule for condensate tanks statewide, and new and relocated compressor engines be regulated by May 1, 2007, and that all existing engines greater than 500 hp meet the proposed regulations for new engines by July 1, 2008; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Grand Junction City Council requests that the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division establish an air monitoring network for ozone on the Western Slope of Colorado for purposes of obtaining data related to emissions from the oil and gas industry as well as other industrial sources and area sources within the region; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Grand Junction supports the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission’s efforts to proactively address air pollution problems throughout the state of Colorado.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 6^th day of December, 2006

APPROVED:

/s/ James J. Doody        

President of the Council

ATTEST:

/s/ Stephanie Tuin        

City Clerk, City of Grand Junction