Colorado State Senate takes proactive, Colorado solution for clean air

Environment Colorado

The following press statement is by Pam Kiely, program director for Environment Colorado

Denver, CO – House Bill 1365 passed today on second reading in the Senate.  The “Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act” is sponsored by Sen. Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction) and Sen. Bruce Whitehead (D- Hesperus).

Colorado residents and businesses will see substantial benefits from cleaner air, healthier communities and a stronger clean-energy economy under this sweeping legislation which is supported by a diverse group of energy companies, bipartisan group of legislators, public health advocates and conservation groups.

New data puts the problem in even sharper focus, demonstrating that the pollution from the Cherokee and Valmont power plants (those slated for closure) is associated with 13 deaths and over 4,000 cases of respiratory disease annually. Economists estimate the adverse health impacts from just some of the pollutants released from these aging power plants impose health costs exceeding $110 million annually. 
 

“Cleaning up our air is a no-brainer, something everyone can get behind,” said Pam Kiely, program director for Environment Colorado. “Colorado is in the fast-lane, truly building a new energy future– and in order to clean up our air and protect our communities it’s clear that coal has to quickly take a backseat.”

“Today, Colorado is making history.  Not only are we creating a national model for cleaning up Colorado’s air, but taking the necessary steps to ensure we can keep our communities healthy,” said Pam Kiely, program director for Environment Colorado.  “The solution is as clear as Colorado blue sky day— we need to use less coal in Colorado”