Water sustains our communities, our landscapes, and our economy. But with a growing population and ongoing drought conditions, protecting this key resource is more important than ever. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the incredible progress being made by the Colorado Produced Water Consortium (CPWC), a collaborative effort that the Alliance for Collective Action, through our very own Jolie Brawner, is proud to be a part of!
What’s the Big Deal with Produced Water?
When oil and gas are extracted, a significant amount of water, known as produced water, comes to the surface as a byproduct. Generally, managing this water has been a challenge. That’s why the CPWC was created to come up with solutions to treat and reuse this water instead of relying on freshwater supplies.
The Alliance Center’s Voice at the Table
Launched in July 2023, the CPWC brings together 31 members including state agencies, scientists, industry leaders, local governments, and environmental justice advocates. Their mission is to explore the safe and sustainable reuse of produced water with the aim to reduce the oil and gas industry’s reliance on fresh water.
We believe that meaningful change happens when all voices are heard. That’s why we’re so proud that Jolie Brawner, our Director of Programs, was appointed to the CPWC by the President of the Senate! Jolie’s role is to represent environmental justice and community impact perspectives while ensuring that human health and safety are prioritized in all discussions and recommendations.
Jolie has been instrumental in developing “a standard language for prioritizing human health and safety” within the Consortium’s work. She’s also collaborated on a communications and outreach plan to boost community involvement and input, because real solutions come from real people.
Milestones and Momentum
The CPWC has been busy, and their work is already making a significant impact:
- They’ve released a Best Practices Report which summarizes over 130 studies on how to reuse produced water.
- They’ve been involved in informing groundbreaking new rules from the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) which contribute to water conservation in our state!
- They’ve championed transparency and public participation by hosting meetings across Colorado (including the Western Slope) and actively sought feedback from impacted communities, Tribal representatives, and industry leaders.
This work being done in Colorado is setting an example for how various stakeholders can work together to address difficult environmental issues.
What’s Next?
The CPWC will continue to evaluate the implementation of these new rules, facilitate open dialogue, and ensure that decisions are guided by solid data and broad community engagement. The Alliance for Collective Action, through Jolie’s ongoing dedication, will continue to advocate for human health, safety, and equitable solutions as this vital work progresses.
We’re excited to see Colorado lead the way in responsible water management, and we’re proud to be a part of this important journey towards a more sustainable future for our state.
For more information on the Colorado Produced Water Consortium, visit: CPWC
