Following three months of negotiations, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) has unanimously voted to require oil and gas operators install zero-emission pneumatic controllers for new and existing operations. 

Pneumatic controllers utilize pressurized natural gas to activate valves at oil and gas facilities to regulate temperature and pressure. 

Traditional devices release methane and other pollutants each time they actuate, and are therefore the second largest source of methane emissions from oil and gas operations in Colorado. However, more advanced nonemitting devices are available and could present an opportunity to reduce pollution. 

The AQCC’s rule for pneumatic controllers requires all new and modified well production sites and compressor stations to...