A major oil and gas company seeks approval to increase fuel supply in Adams County

A major oil and gas company is looking to boost the amount of fuel supplied to Adams County due to a federal mandate requiring a special gasoline blend during the summer to combat ozone pollution in the northern Front Range.

While the special gasoline blend aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it could also lead to increased toxic emissions in Adams County, an area already burdened by industrial pollution.

Holly Energy Partners, a subsidiary of HF Sinclair Corporation, has requested a public hearing before the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission to seek approval for pumping more gasoline and ethanol through its terminal in Henderson.

If approved, the company plans to increase gasoline supply by 82% to 13.3 million barrels per year and ethanol supply by 15% to 1.5 million barrels annually without adding new storage tanks.

The proposal aims to meet the demand for reformulated gasoline required by the EPA during summer months to reduce ozone pollution levels in the region.

Environmental Impact

The expansion is expected to reduce volatile organic compounds but increase nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions, raising concerns among environmentalists about air quality and public health.

Holly Energy’s plan for fuel delivery has sparked debate over the necessity of more reformulated gasoline, especially considering the ample supply in the previous year.

Community Concerns

Residents of Adams County have long suffered from pollution associated with the oil and gas industry, leading to questions about the trade-off between environmental regulations and public health.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

To provide comments or attend the public hearing, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/aqcc.

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