Support bills to clean Colorado’s air

There is nothing more important than our health and the health of our families. The American Lung Association gave Boulder County an F grade for our air quality due to ozone pollution. Ozone pollution, or smog, is harmful to everyone’s health but particularly that of children and the elderly.

According to the American Lung Association, “The inflammation and systemic stress caused by short- and long-term exposure to ozone can also do damage to tissues, DNA and proteins throughout the body, which can cause or worsen other disease conditions over time.” This includes diabetes, brain inflammation, reduced fertility, preterm birth, low birth weight and premature death. We have an air pollution problem, and we must address it.

Despite years of noncompliance with federal air quality laws, Colorado’s permitting processes routinely green-light new air pollution sources that release the harmful pollutants that form ozone. Fortunately for us, the state Legislature is currently considering several pieces of legislation to reduce ozone pollution in Colorado. Bill HB24-1330 will address issues with current permitting processes. Bill SB24-166 requires that orders of compliance must be issued for those who repeatedly violate air quality laws and include civil penalties. SB24165 requires the air quality control commission to adopt rules for certain emission standards and requirements for in-use, offroad and diesel-fueled fleets. All of these bills will improve air quality and our lives. I hope they pass.

Economic damages from ozone pollution in Colorado include health care costs, habitat loss, water quality and depreciated housing values. They are expected to reach between $480 million and $1 billion in 2025. We can’t afford not to take action. Please contact your Colorado representatives, Karen Mccormick (303-866-2780) and Sonya Jaquez-louis (303-8665291). Urge them to vote for these bills.

— Ramona Giroux, Longmont