County Hires Oil and Gas Liaison

The Adams County Department of Community and Economic Development (CED) hired Chris Simmons to serve in the role of oil and gas liaison. In an effort to increase public outreach and provide administration of the county’s new oil and gas regulations, the Board of County Commissioners approved the addition of a full-time oil and gas liaison following a six-week moratorium on oil and gas development, which ended March 22, 2016. 

“The addition of a liaison is part of the comprehensive package of improvements to the county’s approach to oil and gas development,” said Board Chairman Steve O’Dorisio. “This position, coupled with an oil and gas inspector and new regulations, will help the county remain connected to the community and their interests while working with the industry to ensure responsible energy exploration.”  

Simmons will be responsible for conducting outreach to stakeholders, reviewing applications for oil and gas development under the new county regulations, and acting as the county’s local government designee to the state of Colorado’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). He will regularly interact with county residents, regulatory partners such as the COGCC, oil and gas operators, and various advocacy groups. 

“We’re fortunate to have someone with Chris’ level of professionalism and experience in this important role for the county,” said CED Director Norman Wright. “These are complex issues and Chris has the depth of experience necessary to comprehend the unique perspective each group or stakeholder presents.” 

Simmons comes to Adams County with experience in local, state, federal, and tribal regulations for oil and gas development in New Mexico as a regulatory analyst with Encana. He holds a master’s degree in natural resources law from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Colorado.