The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) has postponed until Feb. 13 action on the final rules for oil and natural gas flowlines after hearing testimony from stakeholders this week.

The regulatory overhaul has been ongoing since a tragic explosion last April in a Firestone neighborhood, which killed two men and severely injured a woman. Gov. John Hickenlooper called for new rules, which were outlined last summer.

The nine-member COGCC convened two days of public hearings and staff presentations on Monday and Tuesday regarding three policy initiatives regarding flowlines.

“This added regulatory oversight and burden is something our industry must bear because it is the right thing to do, and it is in the best interest of Coloradans across the state,” said CEO Dan Haley of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association.

The revamped requirements under consideration would be beneficial to residents who live near oil and gas operations, Haley said.

The rulemaking may result in the 13th covering the oil and gas industry in nine years. Haley said it was important for citizens to “not only feel safe,” but to also “see the proactive steps we are taking to ensure that safety.”