Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against Suncor Energy, claiming its Colorado refinery has consistently violated air pollution laws, harming local communities.
Nia Williams reports for Reuters.
In short:
- Earthjustice, GreenLatinos, the Sierra Club and 350 Colorado are suing Suncor for over 9,000 alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its Commerce City refinery.
- The refinery has faced numerous issues, including a significant fire in December 2022 and a $10.5 million fine for air pollution violations from 2019 to 2021.
- Suncor is reviewing the lawsuit but has been criticized for exceeding air permit limits and impacting nearby neighborhoods.
Key quote:
"Suncor has repeatedly exceeded its air permit limits for years and is sending that pollution into the surrounding neighborhoods."
— Ian Coghill, senior attorney at Earthjustice
Why this matters:
Air pollution from industrial facilities can cause significant health issues for nearby communities, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Holding companies accountable for environmental violations is vital to ensuring cleaner air and safer living conditions for affected populations.
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