Colorado Air-Toxics Permitting Program Could Cost More Than Just Money
- Media Logic Radio
- Oct 1
- 1 min read
Colorado is preparing to launch a first-of-its-kind air-toxics permitting program, but it comes with a hefty price tag and a big political fight.
State regulators are drafting rules for permits covering five toxic air pollutants — benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, hexavalent chromium and hydrogen sulfide. Those chemicals are linked to cancer, asthma and other health problems and aren’t fully regulated at the federal level.
The Air Quality Control Commission has already set health-based limits. Now the state health department must propose how to issue and enforce permits — and report to lawmakers by December 31.
The program could cost between 3.7 and 10.7 million dollars a year and affect more than 3,000 businesses, especially oil and gas operations. Industry groups expect to pay new fees but warn the budget squeeze may shape the plan.
Environmental advocates say the rules are needed to protect communities, especially those near heavy industry. Lawmakers will decide next session how broad the permitting will be and how to fund it.
