Colorado is seeing a decrease in the total number of approved oil and gas wells, leading to a drop in overall projected air pollution. However, new data shows that individual wells are becoming more polluting as operators shift toward longer horizontal laterals to maximize extraction. While total carbon dioxide emissions have declined, methane emissions and nitrogen oxide levels per well are rising, particularly in the populated Front Range. The state is implementing new water recycling mandates and emissions rules to combat these local environmental impacts.
