ECMC Commission Hearing - April 21, 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDsXIGYInjk

Summary

TL;DR — The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) held a special hearing on Creststone Peak Resources' oil and gas development plan (OGDP) for the State Sunlight Long project. After extensive deliberation and review of supplemental analyses, including alternative location assessments and public comments, the commission voted 3-2 to approve the OGDP, denying Maverick Mineral Partners' petition.

Key points

• The hearing focused on Creststone's OGDP application and Maverick's petition concerning mineral rights and potential drainage.

• Creststone presented a revised plan, reducing the well count from 32 to 24 and reconfiguring the pad to increase setbacks from residential areas, following feedback from STAR and other agencies.

• STAR argued that Creststone's preferred location was not protective of public health and that alternative locations within a "feasibility zone" were more viable and less impactful, while Maverick raised concerns about potential drainage and stranded minerals.

• Commissioners debated the extent to which Creststone complied with the December order for alternative location analysis, with differing opinions on whether the analysis was objective or biased towards the preferred site.

• The commission ultimately found that Creststone's proposed location met regulatory requirements and implemented significant best management practices, leading to its approval despite public opposition and concerns raised by STAR and Commissioner Mesner regarding potential impacts and the thoroughness of the alternative analysis.

Takeaway — The ECMC approved Creststone's State Sunlight Long OGDP, finding it compliant with regulations and sufficiently protective, while denying Maverick's petition due to insufficient evidence of drainage or stranded minerals.