Reported by CEN Staff

In a move that was expected by many,  Dave Neslin, has been appointed director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. The announcement was made on Friday by Harris Sherman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

Neslin will assume the leadership mantle of the state agency in which he has served as acting director since late 2007.

“After a rigorous testing and interview process, the Commission unanimously recommended David Neslin, and I am pleased to have him at the helm of the COGCC,” said Sherman. “David is a consummate professional whose fairness and integrity will be invaluable assets as Colorado develops its rich natural gas resources.”

In 2008, the COGCC issued more than 8,000 drilling permits, and for nearly two years has worked extensively to develop a new set of rules governing oil and gas development in Colorado. The regulations package was recently approved by the Legislature with some rules becoming effective April 1st. The effective date for rules addressing drilling operations on federal land has been delayed to allow negotiation between the state and the Bureau of land Management.

Neslin said he was honored by the appointment and the opportunity to continue working with the Commission.

“Colorado needs oil and gas production to help meet our current and future energy needs and support our economy,” he said. “As Director, I look forward to furthering the responsible and efficient development of  Colorado’s oil and gas resources in a manner that helps meet our energy needs, supports our economy and protects the clean water, fresh air and abundant wildlife that make Colorado such a special place to live and work.”

Neslin has also served as Assistant Director for Energy and Minerals within the Department of Natural Resources since August 2007. he will step down from that position to focus on his duties at the COGCC.