Colorado Energy Office unveils carbon management roadmap to tackle climate change

The Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) held a critical hearing on March 26, 2025, addressing pressing concerns regarding the impact of fracking and carbon management strategies in Colorado. Public comments highlighted significant health and environmental risks associated with ongoing fracking operations, particularly in relation to children's health and air quality.

Sally Ingen, a concerned resident, shared a personal story about her grandchild's battle with leukemia, linking it to emissions from nearby fracking sites. She urged the commission to take action to protect public health and adhere to the intent of Senate Bill 19-181, which aims to safeguard citizens from industrial pollution. Ingen's emotional appeal underscored the urgency for the commission to prioritize community health over industry interests.

Nathan Lyon, another resident, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the incompatibility of fracking with Colorado's increasingly arid climate. He raised concerns about the risks of drought, air pollution, and water scarcity exacerbated by fracking operations. Lyon called for proactive measures to mitigate these risks before they escalate into unmanageable crises.

The meeting also featured a presentation from the Colorado Energy Office on the newly developed carbon management roadmap. This comprehensive document outlines strategies for carbon capture, utilization, and storage, aiming to address greenhouse gas emissions while promoting economic opportunities in the state. The roadmap emphasizes the importance of community engagement, transparency, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective carbon management practices.

Key recommendations from the roadmap include creating carbon management zones, developing educational resources for communities, and establishing a publicly accessible database to track carbon management projects. The commission acknowledged the need for collaboration among various state agencies to implement these strategies effectively.

As the ECMC moves forward, the discussions from this hearing highlight a growing demand for accountability and action in addressing the environmental and health impacts of industrial activities in Colorado. The commission's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively it can balance industry interests with the health and safety of its residents.