Support bill to halt drilling

This past Saturday was National Polar Bear Day, and in honor of these vital (and cute) animals, now is time to take action.

There are an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 polar bears in Alaska, with a majority denning in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This is an area of incredible ecological and biological diversity and is an impor tant piece of land to preser ve in the fight against climate change.

However, the ANWR is under attack from oil companies that gained permits to drill in this protected area under President Donald Trump’s administration. If these companies are allowed to continue drilling, it is not only dangerous for the Arctic environment, but could be fatal for the already unstable polar bear population.

Oil drilling can destroy polar bear habitats, cause dens to collapse and, in the event of an oil spill, can cause the bear’s fur to lose insulating ability and can contaminate food sources, causing bears to consume deadly toxins. And as polar bears are apex predators, any damage to their population will cause a ripple effect throughout the whole ecosystem. However, a bill was introduced in Congress on Feb. 4 that would halt drilling in the ANWR by designating coastal lands as a wilderness area. This bipartisan bill, introduced by Sen. Ed Markey and Reps. Jared Huffman and Brian Fitzpatrick, has the potential to permanently protect the ANWR with the highest protection in the public lands system, a wilderness designation.

So show your commitment to some of this country’s last pristine wilderness and endangered species, such as polar bears, by calling your senators and demonstrating the vital importance of this beautiful land. We must show those in power that the needs of polar bears, the environment and the natural world do not come before moneyed interests. Call your senators today! lauren CURTIS

Boulder composting facility:

Shouldn’t be built on land that was purchased as open space. Because after all, it was the voters of Boulder County who made possible the purchase of land as open space. The voters’ will should be honored and a composting facility placed on land that isn’t open space. If the council or the county does other wise, they are jeopardizing the public’s future support of open space funding. Why have taxes for open space if purchased open space can just be eliminated by a current governing board.?

Doesn’t need to cost tens of millions of dollars and doesn’t need to be a massive regional activity. Something more appropriate in scale and cost would be best.

Shouldn’t process human sewage sludge. There aren’t neighbors anywhere who would be supportive of this near their homes and rural businesses.

There is an opportunity to do something that makes sense rather than doing something that is enormously costly and violates the trust Boulder County voters have in those who are charged with protecting our open space.

JANA MENDEZ former state senator and Boulder County Commissioner

Longmont

Like elderly grandparents, we find ourselves worr ying about the young losing their livelihoods even as we anticipate their departure with grief and their employer’s death with mourning.

From those of us who took required Latin back in the day, Ave Atque Vale, Alfalfa’s: Hail and farewell. Phil PENNINGROTH

Boulder