The city of Aurora is updating the Aurora Municipal Code with regulations and Best Management Practices (BMPs) related to oil and gas. All oil and gas regulations will be contained in a new document titled "Oil & Gas Manual." The Aurora Municipal Code will be updated to refer to the Oil & Gas Manual for regulations pertaining to oil and gas.

The draft regulations are available for review at AuroraGov.org/OilandGas. Written public comments must be sent to Oil&Gas@auroragov.org by Aug. 23.

Two virtual town halls occurred in July regarding the draft regulations, and a recording for one of those meetings is available at AuroraGov.org/OilandGas.
 
The draft regulations were originally included in two City Council-approved operator agreements in 2019. Following the creation of the city’s new Oil & Gas Division earlier this year, future oil and gas operators will apply for permits through the city’s normal development process, which is the same for all industries. This means routine updates of regulations will apply equally to all future oil and gas operators, providing greater protection of public health, safety, welfare and the environment.

“Last year, Colorado Senate Bill 19-181 gave local jurisdictions new authority to regulate oil and gas permitting and operations within their limits,” said Jeffrey Moore, the city’s first Oil & Gas Division manager and a licensed Professional Geologist. “The City Council should be applauded for its desire to provide protection for Aurora citizens and the environment by giving appropriate boundaries for oil and gas operations. It is an honor to help shape the Division from the start.”

Moore’s vision for the new Oil & Gas Division is to steward access to the natural resources under the city’s authority with integrity and respect for residents, businesses and the environment.