No state has more experience with the benefits of capturing fugitive methane emissions from oil and gas operations than Colorado.

The state’s Air Quality Control Commission approved first-of-its-kind rules in February 2014 that have helped to improve air quality without placing an undue burden on the industry. Rules addressing methane leak detection and repair were developed in collaboration with state regulators, environmental groups and industry representatives.

The result? Levels of ozone-forming volatile organic compounds are down, gas producers are capturing a valuable commodity that mitigates the investment in leak detection and the taxpayers’ mineral estate isn’t being wasted. The rule squares up with best practices – which is exactly the experience with larger producers in Colorado. Regulators have received zero complaints since the state rule went into effect, Jon Goldstein of the Environmental Defense Fund told the Sentinel’s editorial board Tuesday.

Read more at The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.