Colorado and Wyoming Announce Agreement to Coordinate Carbon Storage Efforts

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DENVER ~ In a joint effort to support cleaner air and protect property rights, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen coordination on permitting for carbon storage projects that may cross state boundaries.

The MOU, announced by Governor Polis today, aims to speed up the permitting process for carbon storage efforts and promote collaboration between the two states. Governor Polis expressed his pride in Colorado's commitment to protecting the environment for future generations and thanked Governor Gordon and his team for their partnership on this important issue.

Julie Murphy, director of the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), emphasized the significance of working across state lines to make energy more affordable as new technologies continue to develop. She believes that by coordinating early and sharing information, both states can better support communities while ensuring projects meet strong environmental and safety standards.

Lily Barkau, Groundwater Section Manager at the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, highlighted the technical exchange as a key benefit of the agreement. She explained that the MOU allows groundwater experts from both states to engage in meaningful dialogue long before a permit is finalized. This level of coordination is crucial for managing the complex carbon sequestration process and ensuring risks are identified and mitigated using the best available data from both states.

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The MOU applies specifically to projects located near the Colorado-Wyoming border, within one mile of the state line or where project activities may extend across it. This includes project review areas, monitoring wells, facilities, and long-term site care activities.

To facilitate coordination between states, the agreement establishes two key steps: notification and consultation. When a project may involve both states, the state leading the permit review will notify its neighboring state early in the process. This includes sharing key project details, timelines, and opportunities for input so that both states and operators are informed from the outset. The neighboring state may also request a consultation to exchange information, discuss potential impacts, and provide input. This collaborative process helps identify any questions early on, supports coordination on monitoring and oversight, and ensures each state can fulfill its regulatory responsibilities.

This structured approach aims to reduce uncertainty for communities and project developers while reinforcing strong environmental protections. As carbon management efforts continue to grow across the region, coordination between states is becoming increasingly important to ensure consistent oversight and clear communication.

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It is important to note that the MOU does not alter or limit the authority of either state. Each agency retains its full regulatory responsibility while committing to work in good faith to share information and address cross-border considerations.

The ECMC's mission is to regulate the development and production of natural resources such as oil and gas, deep geothermal resources, the geologic storage of captured carbon, and the underground storage of natural gas in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and wildlife resources. For more information about the ECMC, visit their website.

The MOU between Colorado and Wyoming marks a significant step towards promoting responsible development of carbon storage projects while ensuring strong environmental protections. By working together in a structured manner, both states are committed to supporting communities and protecting their shared environment for future generations.

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