Colorado Wildlife Federation DIRECTOR
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street, Room 718
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: (303) 866-3311
Fax: (303) 866-2115
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2012
CONTACT
Todd Hartman, 303-866-3311 x-8665,
MATTHEW LEPORE TO LEAD
COLORADO OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Denver lawyer and former Colorado Assistant Attorney General Matthew Lepore has been chosen as the new director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC).
Lepore recently served as lead counsel for the Commission and represented the agency on numerous matters including environmental protection, permitting and regulatory enforcement. Lepore has also worked extensively for private firms and specialized in natural resource and environmental law in a legal career spanning nearly 20 years.
“We’re pleased to have Matt at the Commission’s helm as it balances responsible energy development and protecting the natural beauty of Colorado,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “Matt is a longtime Coloradan whose love and appreciation of the outdoors and experience with legal and natural resource issues make him an ideal leader for the Commission. We expect Matt and the Commission to maintain the high standards that protect the environment and help Colorado’s economy to continue moving forward.”
“Matt provided exceptional representation to the Commission through his role as Assistant Attorney General, and we expect him to build on that work in his new role overseeing the Commission staff and working with Commission members and stakeholders – including local governments, neighbors, citizens groups and the regulated industry,” said Mike King, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
“I look forward to leading the Commission as we continue to bring together people of diverse views to ensure our energy resources are developed with the highest regard for the communities, landscapes and environments that we care for so deeply,” Lepore said. “Colorado is recognized as a national leader in working through the many challenges of energy development and we intend to continue serving as a model the country can follow.”
Lepore served as lead counsel to the Commission during an especially challenging period beginning in late 2009, as the agency implemented a comprehensive overhaul of state regulations designed to create stronger protections for land, water, wildlife and public health in areas affected by oil and gas development. Lepore will oversee a staff of 70 and work closely with the nine-member Commission that provides policy direction to the agency.