HomeMy WebLinkAbout20242263.tiffBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-336-7204
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
Jane Turner, PE, PhD
Air Quality & Oil and Gas Program Manager
City of Longmont, Colorado
1100 S. Sherman St
Longmont, Colorado 80501
Via email to Jane.Turner@longmontcolorado.gov
RE: Commitment Letter for the City of Longmont's Application to the Methane Emissions
Reduction Program Oil and Gas Methane Monitoring and Mitigation Grant Opportunity
Dear Dr. Turner:
Weld County would like to express its support for the City of Longmont's application to the
Methane Emissions Reduction Program Oil and Gas Methane Monitoring and Mitigation grant
(DE-FOA-0003256). We understand that the City of Longmont -in collaboration with local
government, industry, and community partners -will execute a comprehensive, multi -scale
approach to methane monitoring in the Denver -Metro Northern Front Range Region and within
the nearby Denver-Julesburg oil and gas well field. We understand the project will focus on
identifying long-term, persistent methane leaks from orphaned, plugged, and marginal oil and gas
wells to optimize future methane mitigation efforts across the region. The project will also include
core community benefits including equity -targeted education, workforce development, and direct
benefits to disadvantaged and underserved communities.
Weld County recognizes the importance of improving methane monitoring to effectively identify
emissions from aging oil and gas wells and infrastructure, as addressing these emission sources
can help reduce health risks to our residents. In addition, we appreciate that the full data set will
be shared among all parties. Weld County supports using satellite data to assess whether EPA's
GHG emissions inventory is representative of emissions in Colorado. We have funded analysis of
AIRS satellite data which indicated a decrease in methane emissions from the DJ Basin since
2012.1 We believe building on this work will be beneficial to informing policymaking at both the
state and national level.
To underscore our support for this project, Weld County commits to providing staff time to assist
1 Reddy, P. J., & Taylor, C. (2022). Downward trend in methane detected in a northern Colorado oil and gas
production region using AIRS satellite data. Earth and Space Science, 9,
e2022EA002609. https://doi.org/10.1029/2022EA002609
Co KM v n: CQ-1-, o n S 2024-2263
O/2S/2 4
in identifying and securing air monitoring locations for this research. Weld County commits to
participate in the development of education and outreach materials, to provide community
connections and feedback as grant work is implemented, and aid in efforts to ensure the
participation and representation of our communities.
If you have any questions about our commitment to this project, please do not hesitate to contact
me at kross@weld.gov or 970-400-4207.
Sincerely,
0
Kevin D. Ross
Chair, Weld County Board of Commissioners
Pc: Jason Chessher, Executive Director, Weld County Dept. of Public Health and Environment
Dan Joseph, Director of Environmental Health, WCDPHE
Dr. Annareli Morales, Air Quality Policy Analyst, WCDPHE
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