Not very neighborly
Re: “Wyoming aims to protect coal,” April 14 news story
The hypocrisy of Republicans never ceases to amaze me. For decades the Republicans in states have decried use of the federal governmentap constitutional powers as an infringement of states’ rights. Now, Republicans in Wyoming have passed a new law setting aside money to sue states like Colorado that hamper the use of Wyoming coal because of their renewable energy policies.
Wyoming Republican Rep. Jeremy Haroldson said that Colorado, by setting targets for renewable energy and greenhouse-gas emissions generated by utilities, has infringed on Wyoming’s commerce in violation of the U.S. Constitution, which gives Congress jurisdiction over interstate commerce.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would see a Republican from Wyoming totally ignore the right of a neighboring state to determine its own renewable energy policies in favor of an expanded interpretation of federal power over commerce! This is just another example of how Republicans at both the federal and state level have in recent years eagerly abandoned what once were bedrock conservative principles to achieve whatever they want. And, simply put, that is hypocrisy.
Tom Ryan, Littleton
There is a new Wyoming law that sets aside money to sue states whose policies hamper the use of Wyoming coal. Did the Wyoming legislature conveniently forget what a free market economy is? Or states’ rights?We are all on this planet together, letap take care of it and each other.
Mike Pustek, Thornton
Time to make sense of Amtrak routes out West
Re: “ ‘This corridor is ready”,” April 13 news story
I am glad to see we are now seriously considering adding a north-south Amtrak route along the front range. Its benefits within Colorado are obvious. However, the discussion sometimes mentions stopping the line in Pueblo, which makes absolutely no sense. Currently, the only way to get to Southern California from Denver by rail is via a long loop through San Francisco. Extending the line to the Raton station in New Mexico, or building a connecting station in Trinidad, would finally make Amtrak travel through the Southwest — a wonderful option.
New Mexico would definitely benefit from a full connection. We should get them involved in the project.
Lynne Forrester, Littleton
Curious qualification for business opportunity
Re: “Pot delivery coming soon?” April 13 news story
I love it: a social-equity criteria to open a business, with one of the qualifications being that the applicant had been arrested and convicted of breaking a law related to that business. Evidently the Denver City Council has been sampling while they work.
Charlene Bresadola, Centennial
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