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Governor Polis Makes Appointments to the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission

Government and Politics

June 24, 2024

From: Colorado Governor Jared Polis

Trisha Oeth Appointed to ECMC Commission; Jeff Robbins and John Messner Reappointed  

DENVER - The Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) today announced that Governor Polis has appointed Trisha Oeth to serve as the Commissioner with experience in public health. Oeth is currently serving as the Director of Environmental Health and Protection for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and, in this role, as an ex-officio non-voting member of the ECMC Commission. Her term begins July 2, 2024 and expires July 1, 2028.

“Colorado is a national leader in climate action and protecting air quality and the ECMC is an important part of this work. Trisha has gone above and beyond in promoting public health, and her experience and expertise at CDPHE will help serve the ECMC and move Colorado closer to our bold climate goals and protect the Colorado we love for future generations,” said Governor Jared Polis.

In addition to Oeth’s appointment, Gov. Polis announced that for terms expiring July 1, 2028:

Jeffery Robbins of Durango, Colorado, to serve as Chair and 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, reappointed; and

John Messner of Lakewood, Colorado, to serve as a member with substantial experience in planning or land use, reappointed.

“Congratulations to Trisha Oeth on her new appointment as a Energy and Carbon Management Commissioner and the reappointments of Jeff Robins and John Messner,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “I have had the pleasure of working with Trisha for a number of years during her time at CDPHE and as an ex-officio member of the ECMC. Her public health and legal environmental policy background has been and will continue to be a great asset for the Commission as it advances its important missions of protecting public health, safety, the environment and wildlife from oil and gas operations and implementing important new missions to manage carbon and geothermal energy.”

“I am humbled by the Governor's reappointment of me as ECMC Chair and excited for the continued opportunities to advance Colorado's regulation of energy as we move forward in environmental protective energy development,” said Jeff Robbins, ECMC Chair. “The reappointment of Commissioner Messner confirms the Governor's trust in John's ability to add value to the Commission from the local government and land use perspective he brings to the table. We are excited to have Ms. Oeth join the Commission in a full-time role. Her strong public health experience and having worked with the Commission in her current capacity will allow her to contribute immediately. We are looking forward to having her join the Commission.”

“It’s an honor to join the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission, and I thank the Governor for his trust,” said Trisha Oeth. “I look forward to contributing to the Commission’s vital work. During my time at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, I’ve worked closely with the Commission on a number of issues related to oil and gas, and I know the members of this Commission are deeply committed to finding solutions that protect Coloradans and the environment we cherish while also driving Colorado’s present and future prosperity. I share that commitment.”

Visit the ECMC website, to learn more about the ECMC Commissioners.

About the ECMC 
The mission of the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) is to regulate the development and production of the natural resources of oil and gas, deep geothermal resources, the capture and sequestration of carbon, and the underground storage of natural gas in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment and wildlife resources. Visit the ECMC website for more information.