Matthew Lepore, barely a month into his new job as director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, has already had to confront some of more heated controversies of the moment: efforts by municipalities to tighten drilling regulations, hydraulic fracturing, setbacks and air quality.

Lepore joins the commission after working in private practice at energy, environmental and natural resources law firm Beatty & Wozniak in Denver. He also worked as lead counsel for nearly two years at the oil and gas commission.

Choosing his words carefully, Lepore offered a glimpse into his thinking in an interview with the Business Report last week.

Business Report: What's the first thing you're addressing as you start your new position?

Lepore: A very high priority for the commission is grappling with the issues raised by the recent technological innovations that have allowed for development of unconventional resources, shale gas and shale oil, in proximity to populated areas. There are a host of concerns and questions raised by folks who live in proximity to that development. I think working through those concerns and questions is our highest priority.