DENVER—The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has amended its rules to eliminate the right of two other state agencies to appeal permitting decisions made by its director.
The rules require the commission to consult with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Division of Wildlife when proposed oil and gas activities could adversely affect public health or important wildlife resources.
Before they were amended, the rules also allowed the agencies to seek a hearing before the commission on a drilling permit to raise their concerns.
The commission says it removed the appeal rights Thursday after finding that any concerns the agencies might have with a particular drilling permit would be fully considered.
The changes take effect July 1.
