A group of protesters marched on downtown sidewalks during the mid-day lunch hours today, making stops at buildings that house energy, mining and other companies to condemn the corporations inside.
Each of the companies — including Xcel Energy, the state’s largest power company — “are big, bad polluters giving money to the Democrats,” a man who identified himself only as Rock Slide announced to the crowd.
Xcel does emit more carbon dioxide than any other company in the state as it produces power, said company spokesman Mark Stutz. However, he said: “We are in the position of having to balance the need for electricity with the environment. We think we are doing quite a bit for the environment in reducing carbon-dioxide emissions and moving toward renewable resources.”
Other companies targeted for a visit included EnCana Corp., Newmont Mining Corp., CH2M Hill and ConocoPhillips, all with downtown locations.
Police on horseback, foot, bicycle and riding the running boards of SUVs accompanied the march. Officers ordered protesters who drifted off the sidewalk to get out of the street. But there were few verbal confrontations and no violence.
As Rock Slide, who spoke through a bull horn, kicked off the march, he asked: “Who is ready to confront some polluters?”
The crowd responded with a cheer.
“Let’s try to keep this a sustainable march, which means keep everybody out of jail,” he added.
In what has become a familiar sight during the Democratic National Convention this week, the protesters chanted and beat on makeshift drums while they marched.
“I think this is very exciting, but I don’t know what they are protesting against,” Pam Doane of Colorado Springs said as she snapped pictures of the marchers.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
