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In May 2026, the CDPHE Air Pollution Control Division published the Colorado Refinery Report. The report compares data, requirements, and procedures for petroleum refineries nationwide and the Suncor refinery in Commerce City. In September 2026, the division released a new proposed rule concept informed by the report’s findings and recommendations. The proposed rule concepts were also informed by input from public meetings in summer 2026.
There are more opportunities to share feedback on the proposed rule. The division is hosting a public meeting to receive verbal feedback. The division is also accepting written feedback online. The division will use the rule concept and community feedback to draft a rule to reduce air quality impacts from refinery operations.
The rule concept includes potential updates, including a general duty clause requiring refineries to operate and maintain equipment using best air quality practices; and stricter communication requirements for notifications during non‑routine refinery operations. The potential updates may also require:
- Enhanced root‑cause analyses to determine emission‑event causes and identify appropriate corrective actions.
- More frequent and thorough analyses of refinery flaring.
- Installation of infrastructure to capture gas and return it to refinery processes for use, rather than burning it in the flare.
- Refineries to hold community outreach events for projects.
- Baseline outreach and communication standards for refineries.
- Performance testing of refinery‑fuel‑burning equipment to verify proper maintenance and ensure refinery fuel gas is not causing exceedances of permitted emission limits.
Share your feedback
Register for the in-person public meeting on Oct. 21, 2026 from 1-3 p.m. You can learn more, ask questions, and share your feedback on the proposed rule concept. Spanish translation services will be available.
The division will consider all feedback received in person or in writing.
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