07SA293 Advance Sheet Headnote The Water Right Determination and Administration Act of 1969 The Colorado Ground Water management Act beneficial use well appropriation

• Description: Colorado Supreme Court opinion regarding classifying use of water for coalbed methane production as a beneficial use.
• State: CO
• Date: 4/20/2009
• Title: 07SA293 Advance Sheet Headnote The Water Right Determination and Administration Act of 1969 The Colorado Ground Water management Act beneficial use well appropriation
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Court Documents

In sum, while the production of oil and gas is subject to
extensive regulation by COGCC, it is also subject to the 1969
Act and the Ground Water Act. And, as noted above, we find that
the extraction of water to facilitate CBM production is a
beneficial use under those provisions.
III.
Accordingly, we affirm the order of the District Court
Water Division 7 and remand for further proceedings consistent
with this opinion.
JUSTICE COATS concurs in part and dissents in part.
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