While the Trump administration attempts to roll back methane emission reduction measures, Colorado continues to support local efforts to rein in oil and gas emissions, with success, according to state officials.

Colorado four years ago established the nation’s toughest standards for curbing methane emissions.

“Colorado rules were designed for Colorado, and they are working for Colorado,” said Colorado Oil and Gas Association CEO Dan Haley. The state has continued to break new ground in balancing regulations with oil and development, he noted.

“Our companies follow dozens of environmental rules unique to Colorado, and it very likely means the cleanest oil and gas production in the world is taking place right here.

“Make no mistake, these regulations are expensive and rigorous, but we have great rocks, our air is getting cleaner, and our companies are innovating at a rapid pace, making all of this possible.”

The fifth largest gas-producing state requires operators to regularly inspect oilfield equipment for leaks to reduce methane releases and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.

Since 2015, the energy sector has identified and repaired about 73,000 methane leaks, according to the state’s Air Pollution Control Division.

The number of leaks since 2015 also has declined annually by 52%, when 36,000 leaks were reported compared to 2017 when the number was 17,250, regulators said.