State could lead transition

Gov. Jared Polis and most Colorado leaders continue to prioritize a bankrupt industr y, responsible for 70% of Colorado’s greenhouse gas emissions, over my health and safety.

A recent report (“Avoiding a Roadmap to Climate Catastrophe”) released by 350 Colorado, a statewide environmental advocacy organization, found that the oil and gas sector is currently responsible for 70% of Colorado’s GHG emissions in comparison to the state’s estimation of just 17.3% (a plus-52.7%difference).

And while Polis’ release of Colorado’s GHG Roadmap’s HB19-1261 seemed promising, it actually allows for a 61% increase in GHG emissions. This report proves that the state has been severely underestimating Colorado’s GHG emissions.

Thus, the state’s plan to increase oil and gas production while still meeting GHG emission reduction targets is an unconvincing illusion.

Even when following the roadmap’s assumed reduction in oil and gas, it is not enough. We need a complete phaseout of oil and gas by 2030, which can be achieved through a 10% per year reduction in GHG emissions. The use of oil and gas cannot continue, and any plan tr ying to save Colorado from climate devastation that still accounts for large amounts of oil and gas by 2030 is not a good one.

Colorado could lead the global just transition from fossil fuels to renewables if the state used honest data on actual GHG emissions to influence policy decisions, not assumed and self-reported data form the oil and gas industr y.

Coloradans are tired of watching our forests be burned, our waters be poisoned and air made toxic. A just transition from fossil fuels to renewables, one that supports energy workers and prioritizes frontline communities, is not only possible but is what we deser ve.

MEGANNEUFELD Silver Creek High School

Lyons