Re: March 1 Vincent Carroll column.
Vincent Carroll makes several questionable claims and misrepresents the process for developing an effective, Colorado-specific approach to reduce carbon emissions.
Colorado is indeed in a strong position to meet the targets proposed under the Clean Power Plan. More than 75 percent of Colorado’s targeted emissions reductions are in the pipeline or planned, enabling the state to reach full compliance by 2030. A few modest shifts in our energy mix — something we believe is achievable — will benefit Coloradans by protecting public health.
The collaboration of utilities, public health and environmental groups, elected officials and community leaders — regardless of background or affiliation — has made Colorado a leader in clean energy, and will continue to do so.
Carbon pollution produced by coal-fired power plants is one of the greatest preventable threats to public health today, in part because of the impacts on the air we breathe. According to the American Lung Association, strong steps to reduce carbon pollution as outlined in the Clean Power Plan also will reduce other pollutants that would prevent up to 4,000 premature deaths and 100,000 childhood asthma attacks in the first year alone.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has responsibly and transparently led the development and implementation of plans that have made our air cleaner and healthier. In those plans, it has engaged the participation of utilities, industry, public health and environmental groups, community leaders and elected officials.
Developing pollution safeguards to reduce carbon dioxide emissions fits squarely within the mission of the CDPHE. Attempts to undermine its authority and expertise — or worse — to hamstring the department from fulfilling its responsibilities are misguided.
Kim Tyrrell is Air Quality Programs manager for the American Lung Association in Colorado.
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