NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
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Gov. Polis (on Monday) announced new appointments to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Last year, the governor signed the landmark SB19-181, which transitions the commission from nine appointees to a professional five-member commission.
“This landmark law protects health and safety and our environment while ensuring local governments and Coloradans have a voice when it comes to oil and gas development in their communities. These new appointees will build upon the progress the volunteer commission has made thus far, and the professionalization of these roles is an important step for streamlining the process and increasing regulatory efficiency in Colorado,” said Gov. Jared Polis.
Effective July 8 for a term expiring July 1, 2022:
Priya K. Nanjappa of Lakewood, to serve as a member with formal training or substantial experience in environmental protection, wildlife protection or reclamation. Nanjappa has experience in biodiversity, conservation, environmental and wildlife management policies. She has worked as the director of operations at Conservation Science Partners, Inc., and Program Manager for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
Effective July 8 for a term expiring July 1, 2024:
Karin L. McGowan of Lakewood, to serve as a member with formal training or substantial experience in public health. McGowan has worked at the Department of Public Health and Environment since 2009 and currently serves as the deputy executive director. McGowan has experience in public health, health equity, air and water policy.
John August Messner of Gunnison, to serve as a member with substantial expertise in planning or land use. Messner has served as Gunnison County commissioner and has experience in public policy related to outdoor recreation, land use and local government. Messer has served on the volunteer commission since 2019.
Effective July 1 for a term expiring July 1, 2022:
Bill Gonzalez of Denver, to serve as a member with substantial experience in the oil and gas industry. Gonzalez has worked as land manager with Occidental and holds a Juris Doctore from the University of Texas School of Law.
Effective July 1 for a term expiring July 1, 2024:
Jeffery Philip Robbins of Durango to serve as a member with professional experience demonstrating an ability to contribute to the commission’s body of expertise that will aid the commission in making sound, balanced decisions, and as chair. Robbins was previously appointed as director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in 2019 by Gov. Polis and has worked as an attorney, partner, and shareholder with Goldman, Robbins, Nicholson & Mack, P.C. in Durango.
Julie Murphy, current COGCC chief of staff and senior policy advisor, will replace Jeff Robbins as COGCC director, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Dan Gibbs also announced Monday. Murphy previously held the COGCC director position before serving as the assistant director of Energy and Minerals at the Department of Natural Resources and as an assistant attorney general representing the Commission and the Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety.
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