Local Participation

Woman at a lectern In Colorado, there are several ways the general public can get involved with air quality decisions:

  • Public Meetings and Hearings: Many air quality regulatory agencies hold public meetings and hearings where citizens can voice their concerns, opinions, and suggestions regarding air quality regulations and decisions. These meetings are often announced in advance, and citizens can attend to speak or submit written comments. A list of local and regional Air Agencies is listed below.
  • Joining Advisory Boards or Committees: Some air quality regulatory agencies have advisory boards or committees that include members of the public. These boards typically advise the agency on various air quality issues and may include opportunities for public participation.
  • Submitting Comments on Proposed Regulations: When air quality regulatory agencies propose new regulations or amendments to existing regulations, they often provide a public comment period during which citizens can submit comments expressing their support, opposition, or suggestions for improvement.
  • Educating Yourself and Others: Understanding the factors that contribute to air pollution and its impacts on public health and the environment is essential for effective advocacy. Citizens can educate themselves about air quality issues through research, attending informational sessions, and engaging with experts in the field. They can then share this knowledge with their communities to raise awareness and build support for action.
  • Contacting Elected Officials: Writing letters, making phone calls, or meeting with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels is another way for citizens to influence air quality decisions. Elected officials represent the interests of their constituents, so expressing concerns about air quality and advocating for stronger regulations can help shape policy decisions.

By participating in these avenues, the general public can play a significant role in shaping air quality decisions in the state of Colorado and contribute to efforts to protect public health and the environment.

Air Agencies in Colorado

Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) - This state agency is responsible for proposing revisions to air regulations, enforcing existing regulations, and running the air quality monitoring network for Colorado.  

Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) - This governor-appointed commission is responsible for adopting a cost-effective and efficient air quality management program and has the power to approve new rules and amend existing air regulations.   

Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) - This governor-appointed commission is responsible for regulating the development and production of oil and gas, deep geothermal resources, the capture and sequestration of carbon, and the underground storage of natural gas.    

Colorado Energy Office (CEO) - This state agency is responsible for delivering cost-effective energy services and advancing innovative energy solutions for all Coloradans.  

Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) - This governor-appointed council is responsible for implementing incentive programs to reduce emissions that lead to ozone production and focuses on planning and strategy development to meet national air quality standards for ozone. 

Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) - This council is composed of local governments within the Denver Metro area which collaborate to establish guidelines, set policy, and allocate funding for transportation, personal mobility, growth and development, and aging and disability resources.  

Northern Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) - This is an association of local governments that is responsible for the transportation and air quality planning for portions of Larimer and Weld Counties in Northern Colorado.  

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 - This is the EPA regional office serving the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.  

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - This federal agency is responsible for protecting human health and the environment through developing and enforcing regulations, providing grants, performing environmental studies, sponsoring partnerships, teaching people about the environment, and publishing information. 

 

Air toxics meetings

APCD Air toxics emissions reporting public meeting

In 2022, Colorado adopted the Public Protections from Toxic Air Contaminants Act. This law requires certain Colorado air pollution sources to report their annual facility-wide air toxics air contaminant emissions. Please join us to discuss current air toxics, air contaminant reporting and potential gaps. All Coloradoans are welcome to participate and share feedback to inform potential revisions to the requirements.  

The June 1 meeting will include brief updates on proposed revisions to Colorado's carbon monoxide maintenance plans. As of 2023, Colorado's carbon monoxide maintenance areas have demonstrated over twenty years of continued attainment of the federal carbon monoxide standard. As a result, the division is proposing revisions to remove requirements that are no longer necessary and to keep Colorado's air quality regulations up to date.   

6/01/24- 10:00am – 12:00pm  

APCD TAC scientific technical working group meeting #3  

  • Agenda: Discussion on the revised prioritization framework and resulting options for priority TAC. Listen-in Only 

6/26/24 - 1:00pm – 3:00pm  

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__bP4_vZrQLCsl8-1yRRt1Q#/registration 

APCD Priority air toxics public meeting  

Please join a public feedback session about the selection of priority air toxics and health-based standards and associated regulatory requirements. This work stems from a 2022 state law: Public Protections from Toxic Air Contaminants (House Bill 22-1244). All are welcome to participate and share feedback. Please focus your comments on the priority air toxics and health based standards. The live meeting will be recorded. 

7/23/24 - 6:00pm – 8:00pm  

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpfuGrrz4vE9VsBXhD9amgrv2bBu0NPwXp#/registration

Priority air toxics public meeting  

Please join a public feedback session about the selection of priority air toxics and health-based standards and associated regulatory requirements. This work stems from a 2022 state law: Public Protections from Toxic Air Contaminants (House Bill 22-1244). All are welcome to participate and share feedback. Please focus your comments on the priority air toxics and health based standards. The live meeting will be recorded. 

8/24/24 - 6:00pm – 8:00pm  

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArcOGoqDIpGNGc0e5MJDTHq7hZbXqNSwJH#/registration  

Ozone meetings

June 7: RAQC Board Meeting 

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce - 4th Floor Board Room 

1445 Market Street 
Denver, CO 80202 

Agenda will be posted closer to the date. Registration is required for remote access: https://raqc.org/event/june-2024-raqc-board-meeting 

 

Oil and gas emissions meetings

May 29: APCD NOx reduction steering committee  

The NOx Reduction Steering Committee began meeting in March 2024. The members committed to holding meetings once a month for at least six months. During these meetings, members engage in technical discussions on potential strategies to reduce NOx pollution. Meetings are held virtually. Members of the public are welcome to observe. 

Listen only 

1:00pm – 3:00pm  

June 8: APCD Midstream proposed greenhouse gas reduction plan public meeting  

Please join a public feedback session about greenhouse gas reduction planning for midstream oil and gas facilities statewide. This event is focused on a report developed by the Midstream Steering Committee. This event takes place during the report's 30-day public comment period. All are welcome to participate and share feedback. Please focus your comments on the report and upcoming rulemaking. Please review the report before the meeting. These meetings will not include a presentation or question and answer session. The live meeting will be recorded. 

10:00am – 12:00pm  

June 26: APCD NOx reduction steering committee  

The NOx Reduction Steering Committee began meeting in March 2024. The members committed to holding meetings once a month for at least six months. During these meetings, members engage in technical discussions on potential strategies to reduce NOx pollution. Meetings are held virtually. Members of the public are welcome to observe. 

Listen only 

1:00pm – 3:00pm 

August 28: APCD NOx reduction steering committee  

The NOx Reduction Steering Committee began meeting in March 2024. The members committed to holding meetings once a month for at least six months. During these meetings, members engage in technical discussions on potential strategies to reduce NOx pollution. Meetings are held virtually. Members of the public are welcome to observe. 

Listen only 

1:00pm – 3:00pm 

July 31: APCD NOx reduction steering committee  

The NOx Reduction Steering Committee began meeting in March 2024. The members committed to holding meetings once a month for at least six months. During these meetings, members engage in technical discussions on potential strategies to reduce NOx pollution. Meetings are held virtually. Members of the public are welcome to observe. 

Listen only 

1:00pm – 3:00pm 

 

GHG meetings

May 30: AQCC GHG Subcommittee meeting  

9:00am   

June 4: APCD Technical working group on greenhouse gas credit trading for GEMM 

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission adopted the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Management for Manufacturers Phase 2 rule (GEMM 2) in October 2023. The commission directed the Air Pollution Control Division to create an operational greenhouse gas credit trading system by the end of 2024. The commission also directed the Air Pollution Control Division to engage in a stakeholder process or technical working group. 

Listen-only  

10:00am – 12:00pm 

July 16: APCD GEMM Credit Trading Guidance Public Informational Meeting  

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission adopted the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Management for Manufacturers Phase 2 rule (GEMM 2) in October 2023. The commission directed the Air Pollution Control Division to create an operational greenhouse gas credit trading system by the end of 2024. The commission also directed the Air Pollution Control Division to engage in a stakeholder process or technical working group. 

The division created and will convene a technical working group in early 2024 to focus on: 

  • Reconciling how greenhouse gas credits generated by GEMM 1 facilities might interact with greenhouse gas credits generated by GEMM 2 facilities.  

  • Potential pathways and feasibility for trading between GEMM 1 and GEMM 2 facilities. 

  • Identifying appropriate protections for disproportionately impacted communities. 

The division intends to publish final guidance by the end of 2024. 

6:00pm – 7:30pm  

November 6: GEMM Credit Trading Guidance Public Information Meeting  

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission adopted the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Management for Manufacturers Phase 2 rule (GEMM 2) in October 2023. The commission directed the Air Pollution Control Division to create an operational greenhouse gas credit trading system by the end of 2024. The commission also directed the Air Pollution Control Division to engage in a stakeholder process or technical working group. 

The division created and will convene a technical working group in early 2024 to focus on: 

  • Reconciling how greenhouse gas credits generated by GEMM 1 facilities might interact with greenhouse gas credits generated by GEMM 2 facilities.  

  • Potential pathways and feasibility for trading between GEMM 1 and GEMM 2 facilities. 

  • Identifying appropriate protections for disproportionately impacted communities. 

The division intends to publish final guidance by the end of 2024. 

5:30pm – 7:00pm  

 

AQCC rules

May 30: AQCC Procedural Rules Technical Session #2 

The Air Quality Control Commission’s procedural rules guide how the commission must run meetings and rulemaking hearings. The commission is considering changes to its procedural rules to improve the rules and rulemaking process. These updates aim to modernize the process and better meet community needs. Division and commission staff will host several online technical meetings for interested stakeholders. These meetings will go into detailed discussion about the procedural rules and proposed changes.   

10:00am – 11:00am (Online) 

June 27: AQCC Procedural Rules Technical Session #3 

The Air Quality Control Commission’s procedural rules guide how the commission must run meetings and rulemaking hearings. The commission is considering changes to its procedural rules to improve the rules and rulemaking process. These updates aim to modernize the process and better meet community needs. Division and commission staff will host several online technical meetings for interested stakeholders. These meetings will go into detailed discussion about the procedural rules and proposed changes.   

10:00am – 11:00am (Online) 

 

July 31: AQCC Procedural Rules Technical Session #4 

The Air Quality Control Commission’s procedural rules guide how the commission must run meetings and rulemaking hearings. The commission is considering changes to its procedural rules to improve the rules and rulemaking process. These updates aim to modernize the process and better meet community needs. Division and commission staff will host several online technical meetings for interested stakeholders. These meetings will go into detailed discussion about the procedural rules and proposed changes.   

10:00am – 11:00am (Online) 

 

Sign up for APCD air permit public notices:

 https://cdphe.colorado.gov/apens-and-air-permits/air-permit-public-notices  

 

Other Public Participation Opportunities

Below, you will find currently active opportunities to participate in CDPHE decision-making processes:  

 

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