Biden needs to act, now

“‘We have to make changes ... now’,” Sept. 15 news story

Thank you, Denver Post for highlighting President Joe Biden’s visit to Colorado’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. As a scientist, I wholeheartedly support NREL’S sustained effort to develop cutting-edge wind, solar, and other clean-energy technologies that are crucial for addressing climate change.

And thankfully, Biden has pledged bold action on climate change. On Earth Day, he announced an ambitious goal to cut America’s carbon pollution in half by 2030. While several climate policies are being considered by Congress, none are as quick and effective as a putting a price on carbon pollution.

That’s why I’m delighted Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet have expressed support for a price on carbon. I urge them to continue voicing their support as Congress crafts climate policy in the impending reconciliation package.

Adam Reed, Longmont

During Biden’s visit to Colorado this week, he noted how climate-fueled disasters were going to cost the U.S. more than $100 billion this year and that our nation must speed up the transition to a clean energy economy if we are to have any hope of addressing the climate crisis. His words were right on target.

But now comes the hard part: taking the bold action necessary to make it happen.

I urge the president to follow up his visit to Colorado by releasing his administration’s proposals for oil and gas reforms — something he promised on his first day in office. The Department of Interior has announced it would resume leasing in order to comply with a court order, but the recent proposal to lease more than 140,000 acres of public land in Colorado seems like a step backwards.

Aaron Kindle, Salida