The following is a press release from the state of Colorado:
Gov. Polis today announced new appointments to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Last year, the Governor signed the landmark SB19-181, which transitions the commission from 9 appointees to a professional 5-member commission.
“This landmark law protects health and safety and our environment while ensuring local governments and Coloradans have a voice when it comes to oil and gas development in their communities. These new appointees will build upon the progress the volunteer commission has made thus far, and the professionalization of these roles is an important step for streamlining the process and increasing regulatory efficiency in Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis.
effective July 8, 2020 for a term expiring July 1, 2022:
- Priya K. Nanjappa of Lakewood, Colorado, to serve as a member with formal training or substantial experience in environmental protection, wildlife protection, or reclamation appointed;
Nanjappa has experience in biodiversity, conservation, environmental and wildlife management policies. She has worked as the Director of Operations at Conservation Science Partners, Inc. and Program Manager for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA).
effective July 8, 2020 for a term expiring July 1, 2024:
- Karin L. McGowan of Lakewood, Colorado, to serve as a member with formal training or substantial experience in public health and appointed;
McGowan has worked at the Department of Public Health and Environment since 2009 and currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director. McGowan has experience in public health, health equity, air, and water policy.
- John August Messner of Gunnison, Colorado to serve as a member with substantial expertise in planning or land use appointed;
Messner has served as Gunnison County Commissioner and has experience in public policy related to outdoor recreation, land use, and local government. Messer has served on the volunteer commission since 2019.
effective July 1, 2020 for a term expiring July 1, 2022:
- Bill Gonzalez of Denver, Colorado, to serve as a member with substantial experience in the oil and gas industry appointed;
Gonzalez has worked as Land Manager with Occidental and holds a Juris Doctorate from The University of Texas School of Law.
effective July 1, 2020 for a term expiring July 1, 2024:
- Jeffery Philip Robbins of Durango, Colorado to serve as a member with professional experience demonstrating an ability to contribute to the commission’s body of expertise that will aid the commission in making sound, balanced decisions, and as Chair, appointed;
Robbins was previously appointed as Director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in 2019 by Gov. Polis and has worked as an attorney, partner, and shareholder with Goldman, Robbins, Nicholson & Mack, P.C. in Durango.
Julie Murphy, current COGCC Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor, will replace Jeff Robbins as COGCC Director, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Dan Gibbs also announced today. Murphy previously held the COGCC Director position before serving as the Assistant Director of Energy and Minerals at the Department of Natural Resources and as an Assistant Attorney General representing the Commission and the Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety.
Additionally, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission completed the Wellbore Integrity Rulemaking under SB 181 on June 10th, adopting the nation’s strongest rules on groundwater protection. That press release can be found here.
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