By Isabel Aguilera
The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) moved forward with Regulation 30, a multi-year state effort designed to reduce toxic air pollution and protect public health across the state.
Facilities releasing pollutants commonly linked to oil and gas operations, plastic and rubber manufacturing and other industrial sources will have to implement measures to limit their emissions and reduce five priority toxic air contaminants — pollutants that can cause cancer, heart and lung disease and other serious health problems.
Environmental organizations and community members have spoken in support of the rulemaking.
“We will stay engaged with the next steps of this rulemaking to press for meaningful enforcement, stronger protections and holding big corporate polluters accountable. The Commission still has an opportunity to deliver real relief to the communities most harmed by air toxins,” said Tykee James, senior environmental justice campaign manager at Conservation Colorado.
“This is a meaningful step forward for public health in Colorado. By adopting standards to reduce exposure to the most harmful air toxins, we are moving closer to a future where fewer families are dealing with preventable illnesses linked to pollution. There is still more work ahead, but this action reflects real progress toward protecting the health of our communities,” said Dr. Maria Chansky of Glenwood Springs, family physician and Healthy Air & Water Colorado advocate.
These are the five air toxins addressed in the rulemaking:
- Benzene: Found in gas and oil. Linked to leukemia and respiratory irritation
- Ethylene oxide: Used to sterilize equipment. Linked to cancer and breathing problems
- Hexavalent chromium: Released from industrial processes like metal production, chemical manufacturing and burning coal or oil. Linked to lung cancer and breathing problems
- Formaldehyde: Found in factories that make pressed wood products and wallpaper and paint products. Linked to cancer, asthma and throat and skin irritation
- Hydrogen sulfide: Released from oil drilling and wastewater plants. Linked to headaches, nausea and eye irritation
For years, communities living near highways, oil and gas sites and industrial facilities have been exposed to the highest levels of these pollutants — and currently, Colorado does not have strong rules on how much of these chemicals can be in the air. These impacts fall disproportionately on communities of color. Latino people are nearly three times more likely than white people to live in areas with the most harmful air and Black and Latino communities are more likely to face the worst pollution overall, according to the American Lung Association. This action moves the state closer to changing that.
The health risks are significant. Children can develop asthma, older adults face higher risks of heart and lung disease and pregnant people may experience complications from long-term exposure to toxic air.
“The testimony of those who gave public comments was evidence enough that air toxins are causing direct harm to those who live in close proximity to the biggest polluters. I am glad the commissioners took their stories to heart. We hope this trend continues through the next steps and will be here to hold decision makers accountable until everyone, regardless of their address, has access to clean air,” said Dr. Holly Olivarez of Golden, member of the Community Council for Environmental Justice and Clean Air.
The Regulation 30 process is not yet complete. The next and final phase — permitting — is expected in fall 2026 and will determine how individual facilities are held accountable under the new rules.
A group of environmental organizations and advocates, including Conservation Colorado, GreenLatinos, Cultivando, Healthy Air & Water Colorado will continue to advocate for strong implementation and community involvement throughout the permitting phase.
Isabel Aguilera is Communications Coordinator with Conservation Colorado.