Boulder County has reached a new milestone in its commitment to environmental stewardship, confirming the absence of new oil and gas development for over a decade in its 2024 Oil and Gas Year-End Report. The document, shared on the county's official website, affirms that no drilling applications have been submitted since 2011 and no new development has materialized in unincorporated areas of the county since 2012, as reported by Boulder County.

Among the key takeaways from the report are insightful figures on the current state of oil and gas infrastructure in Boulder County. As of 2024, Boulder oversees 165 wells, with a notable 56% of them being "shut-in," meaning they are no longer producing. The county is also home to approximately 68 separate tank facilities. On the enforcement front, Boulder County has been proactive, executing 505 inspections across roughly 233 unique facilities. These efforts highlighted 113 separate emissions issues, with 17 instances registering above 500 parts per million of volatile organic compounds or methane.

Not only is Boulder County monitoring its existing facilities rigorously, but it has also achieved significant progress in well-plugging. According to the year-end report, the county saw 11 wells successfully plugged and abandoned in 2024, adding to a three-year total of 38. This is part of the county's broader strategy to reduce potential environmental and public health risks related to derelict wells.

Ensuring compliance and maintaining accountability, the county issued 15 Notices of Violation in the past year, an action leading to the collection of $4,500 in fines. This reflects Boulder County's ongoing legislative, legal, and environmental commitment to minimizing the impacts of oil and gas operations on the community and the surrounding environment. By continuing to contribute to state-level rulemaking and engaging in legislative efforts, the county upholds its dedication to protecting both its people and the natural landscape.