Climate and Energy

We’re protecting Colorado from oil & gas drilling

Oil and gas drilling has jeopardized the health and safety of Colorado communities, especially our most marginalized neighborhoods. The increased frequency of placing oil rigs near homes and schools is turning many low-income neighborhoods and communities of color into industrial zones. Oil and gas drilling is also harmful for the lands, waters, and wildlife in the surrounding areas.  We’re working to protect Coloradans from oil & gas drilling in the following ways: 

Legislative:
In 2019, we worked to pass SB-181, a pivotal law which sought to increase the prioritization of public health, environmental justice, the environment, and wildlife in oil and gas operations

Regulatory:
We have worked to urge the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to pass protections that will put Colorado’s health and natural environment ahead of oil and gas profits. 

The newest statewide rules passed by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) include setbacks (safety buffers) of 2,000 feet (compared to the previous law of 500 ft) for homes, schools and riparian areas. Currently, we are monitoring these new rules and regulations to ensure that their implementation have the intended effects of SB181- to increase the prioritization of public health, racial justice, the environment, and wildlife in oil and gas operations.

Oil & Gas Committee:

The Colorado Sierra Club Oil and Gas Committee was formed in 2021 to provide an active response to the ongoing and growing threat to human health, wildlife, and biological resources in Colorado.

Sierra Club Oil and Gas Committee members will do this by conducting grassroots education and outreach; engaging in rulemaking; monitoring and collecting data on existing oil and gas operations in the field; and reviewing applications for new or expanded drilling and operating sites in Colorado.

Contact JoAnn Hackos, Oil & Gas Committee Chair, at joann@jhackos.com to get involved! 

Let's Keep Fossil-Gas Out of Homes and Buildings

Gas is a potent and dangerous fossil fuel—just like coal, oil, and propane. Did you know that when we use gas in homes and buildings, that gas produces carbon pollution, indoors and outdoors? Indoor gas appliances routinely expose families to levels of air pollution that would be illegal if measured outdoors.

Moving to fossil-free, all-electric homes and buildings can lower the cost of new housing and protect the health and safety of Colorado families—all while tackling a major source of climate pollution. Communities deserve clean, affordable, and healthy heat and electricity.

Are you interested in getting involved in working toward a fossil-free buildings future? The Sierra Club's Safe Buildings Now team is advocating for a fossil-free buildings future; one that is safe, clean, affordable, and sustainable for all. We meet bi-weekly on Thursdays at 6 PM and focus on planning educational events around building electrification and partnering with allies and other groups to push Denver and Colorado to commit to phasing out fossil-gas in buildings, both residential and commercial. Sign up here to learn more, join our listserv and groupchat, and get involved!