The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has opened applications for members to replace its all-volunteer board in accordance with a 2019 state law.

The full-time commission, said COGCC director Jeff Robbins, will be charged with “rulemaking, setting policy and working with our communities and industry to ensure Colorado’s oil and gas operations are protective of public health, safety, welfare, wildlife and the environment.”

Senate Bill 181 required that the newly-constituted commission members “devote their entire time to the duties of their offices to the exclusion of any other employment”. The membership should represent the geographic areas of the state with high oil and gas extraction “to the extent possible.”

Gov. Jared Polis will appoint the five new members and the Senate will confirm them. The law requires the following backgrounds be represented: oil and gas industry experience, planning or land use experience, environmental or wildlife protection experience, public health experience and experience “making sound, balanced decisions.”

The COGCC regulates the production of oil and gas in the state. Members will be seated by July 1 and may not have conflicts of interest with the industry, including as lobbyists or as state legislators within the past three years. Terms are for four years.

The application is here.