Colorado Sun journalist Michael Booth reports that Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission has approved new limits on smokestack pollution from 18 large corporations, a vote immediately denounced by local governments and environmental groups who called it a cave-in to industry and a gutting of environmental justice laws passed in 2021.
In a nutshell:
Colorado's Air Quality Control Commission has greenlit regulations aimed at reducing smokestack pollution from 18 large corporations, such as Suncor, Molson Coors and Leprino Foods. These regulations require significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and efforts to mitigate co-pollutants affecting nearby neighborhoods. Companies can choose to purchase pollution credits or contribute to a state-managed fund for compliance. Critics argue that this system allows wealthy corporations to effectively "pay to play," undermining the goals of the 2021 Environmental Justice Act. Environmental groups may pursue legal action or legislative changes to address these concerns.
Key quote:
“We’re deeply disappointed. We saw the draft rule get progressively eroded from the intent of the Environmental Justice Act more than two years ago to what we saw passed over the weekend,” said Boulder County’s climate and health strategist Collin Tomb, speaking as a member of a coalition of 44 local governments working on the air pollution rule that includes industry-heavy Denver, Adams County and Commerce City.
The big picture:
Colorado's new smokestack pollution regulations may yield several consequences. Health-wise, these rules aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and co-pollutants like nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, potentially improving air quality in affected communities. However, critics argue that the option for companies to purchase pollution credits or contribute to a state fund may allow wealthy corporations to evade their environmental responsibilities. The regulations also raise questions because they may not fully address the goals of the 2021 Environmental Justice Act, which intended to prioritize pollution reductions in disproportionately impacted neighborhoods with low incomes and high minority representation. Environmental advocates may seek legal action or legislative amendments to address these concerns.
Read the article at the Colorado Sun,
Be sure to read Meg Wilcox's piece for EHN, arguing that tackling cumulative exposures, rather than one pollutant at a time, is key to correcting environmental injustice.
