October 22, 2020
Western Resource Advocates released the following statement in response to Governor Jared Polis’ remarks today at the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission. The governor addressed the commission about efforts to reach Colorado’s climate goals and recognized the connection between the climate crisis and the unprecedented wildfires burning across the state, including the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak fires.
“Colorado has made important progress to date; however, we remain far off track from meeting our state’s science-based goals to reduce climate pollution, and we are running out of time to get on track,” said Stacy Tellinghuisen, Western Resource Advocates’ senior climate policy analyst. “Coloradans are watching the climate crisis unfold around us, with wildfires exploding across the state that are burning through our forests, destroying our communities, and degrading our air quality. The unprecedented fire activity Colorado is currently experiencing is not normal, but it is unquestionably driven by climate change, and we need to take urgent action now to prevent climate-driven catastrophes from getting worse.
“We appreciate the governor’s aspirations to act on climate, but we still need specific, quantifiable, enforceable, and equitable policies that will quickly reduce greenhouse gas pollution across our economy,” continued Tellinghuisen. “Our state has the opportunity to drive innovative climate solutions while building a more resilient economy and protecting everything we love about Colorado. We look forward to continued partnership with state leaders to enact policies and rules that will ensure Colorado does its part to preserve a healthy, livable climate for all Coloradans.”
Contact
Jamie Trafficanda, 720-763-3737, jamie@westernresources.org
