Colorado Launches First Wildlife Protection Projects Funded by Oil and Gas Fees Under SB24-230

Description: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and CPW announced the first wildlife and habitat projects funded by SB24-230 oil and gas fees, investing over $5.4M in conservation, restoration and ecosystem protection statewide. Read the full Press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife...

Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife announce first investments from SB24-230 for Wildlife and Land Protection Funds

DENVER — Today, Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced the first round of wildlife and habitat projects funded through Senate Bill 24-230, which created new production fees on oil and gas development to mitigate the adverse impacts of oil and gas operations on wildlife and habitats.

CPW’s initial allocation of SB24-230 revenue will fund seven wildlife and habitat initiatives designed to address the impacts of habitat fragmentation, climate change and ecosystem degradation.

“Colorado is known for our iconic outdoor spaces, recreation, and wildlife viewing. Greenhouse gas emissions have a direct impact on our environment and all who call Colorado home. By investing in protecting habitats for Colorado’s wildlife, we are decreasing our carbon footprint, protecting native species, and keeping Colorado beautiful for generations to come,” said Governor Polis. 

“SB24-230 provides an important new tool to invest directly in the health of Colorado’s wildlife and habitat,” said CPW Director Laura Clellan. “These initial projects demonstrate how funding generated from oil and gas operations can help restore habitat, improve ecosystem resilience and support wildlife across the state.”

Senate Bill 24-230 established two fees on oil and gas production in Colorado. One fee is administered by the Clean Transit Enterprise, and the other by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to support wildlife and land remediation.

The legislation recognizes that oil and gas development is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and habitat degradation, and it directs new investments toward mitigating those impacts and strengthening wildlife and ecosystem resilience.

Under the law, the CPW Director is authorized to set production fees within statutory ranges based on quarterly oil and gas spot prices published by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission.

The initial CPW production fee was established in October 2025 and generated $5,477,765 in revenue from oil and gas production between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2025.

To put the new revenue to work immediately in order to mitigate the impacts of oil and gas operations, CPW’s Executive Management Team identified seven projects and programs for early investment during fiscal year 2026.

The first round of funding will support: 

• Barr Lake State Park Habitat Enhancements ($1,500,000)
• Beaver Restoration Program Implementation – Initial Phase ($1,174,111)
• Operating Increase for Park Pollinator Gardens ($300,000)
• Operating Increase for Wildlife Movement Coordination ($100,000)
• Wildlife TRACKER Hosting and Maintenance ($125,000)
• Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Translocation ($85,000)
• Budget Increase for Water Acquisitions ($600,000)

Together, these projects provide remediation services, including habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, species conservation and strategic land and water protection efforts across Colorado.

CPW will continue to work closely with industry partners, conservation organizations and local communities to ensure that funds generated through SB24-230 are invested in projects that deliver measurable remediation services that mitigate the impacts of oil and gas operations.

"As Coloradans, we all value the outdoors and the wildlife that makes our state so special. When responsible oil and natural gas production can help support these kinds of projects, protecting the wildlife and habitat we all care about, that's a huge win for all of Colorado," said Dan Haley, Executive Director, Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development.

"The science is clear that climate change is negatively impacting Colorado's wildlife and the ecosystems on which they rely," said Tarn Udall, senior attorney at Western Resource Advocates. "That's why the state created the oil and gas production fee in 2024, requiring the industry to partially cover the cost of its emissions and impacts through habitat protection and restoration. It's rewarding to see Colorado Parks and Wildlife put the first tranche of those dollars to good use, and the agency is just getting started."

Additional projects funded through the program will be evaluated and announced as future revenue is collected.

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