​Updated: Feb 21

Updated: Feb 20

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission has adopted a new rule identifying five "priority" air toxics for regulation due to their harmful health effects, including cancer, birth defects, and respiratory issues. The identified toxics are benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium compounds, and hydrogen sulfide. These substances are emitted from various sources, such as oil and gas production, medical sterilization, fuel combustion, and industrial activities like cement manufacturing and glass production.


This move follows House Bill 22-1244, which grants Colorado the authority to adopt regulations stricter than those under the federal Clean Air Act. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will propose health-based standards for these toxics in 2025, with a public hearing scheduled for February. CDPHE also plans to seek emission control strategies in a future rulemaking session.


Residents of areas like Denver’s Globeville and Elyria-Swansea, where air pollution has been a longstanding concern, express cautious hope for change. Carla Padilla, a local resident whose family has been affected by pollution, remains optimistic but urges that more action is needed beyond the new rule. Environmental advocates like Harmony Cummings stress the importance of focusing on community health in policy decisions and advocate for stronger enforcement and more stringent regulations in future phases.


The new rule is a significant first step, but ongoing efforts will be necessary to ensure meaningful improvements in air quality and public health. The Air Quality Control Commission will review the list of priority toxics every five years, with the possibility of adding more.


For more, read the full Denver 7 article HERE.

Updated: Jan 10

On Monday, October 28, 2024, iconic actress and activist Jane Fonda returned to North Denver, where she inspired local environmental groups in their ongoing fight against air pollution. The gathering, hosted by local activists and community organizations, brought together residents from Commerce City and neighboring districts, areas struggling with severe pollution from nearby industrial facilities such as the Suncor oil refinery.

While Fonda is known for her Hollywood legacy and work as an author, her dedication to environmental activism has made her a powerful ally to these communities. Fonda’s celebrity may turn heads, but it’s her consistent support for causes like climate change and pollution regulation that has proven impactful in this particular struggle. Community leaders like Harmony Cummings, who heads the Green Connection Center in Globeville, note that Fonda’s visits have brought significant attention to the cause.


“Nothing elevated our platform like her February visit,” Cummings shared, explaining how Fonda’s involvement draws more attention and support to local environmental justice efforts. For communities that have long been ignored, Fonda’s presence shines a much-needed spotlight on their ongoing battles with toxic pollution.
Fonda’s advocacy is not limited to just raising awareness. At Monday’s event, she actively engaged with activists, asking pointed questions about local regulations, such as the state’s oil and gas drilling setback rules. Her willingness to dig into the specifics of policies like California's 3,000-foot setbacks for residents near drilling sites demonstrates her commitment to driving tangible change.

Find the full El Samanrio article HERE

In addition to her probing questions, Fonda emphasized the importance of perseverance, urging volunteers and activists to stay hopeful. "I’m trying to give it my all," she said, highlighting her continued dedication to the people of Commerce City and beyond. “We are focused on Commerce City, and we will keep coming back.”

The event was especially poignant for residents like Guadalupe Solis, who sees tighter regulations as crucial for the health of the community, where high rates of asthma and heart problems have been linked to the ongoing pollution. With Fonda’s backing, local groups are pushing for more stringent rules from the Air Quality Control Commission, particularly around airborne toxins.

Fonda’s visit was a reminder that celebrity influence, when wielded thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for social and environmental change. It also reaffirmed the collective power of the residents, activists, and allies working together to hold polluters like Suncor accountable and ensure that their voices are heard in critical policy decisions.

The fight against air pollution in North Denver is far from over, but with continued support from figures like Jane Fonda and unwavering local activism, the community is hopeful for a cleaner, healthier future.

You can find the full article in the Colorado Sun HERE and the full CBS News 4 article HERE

This past summer marked another difficult season for air quality along Colorado’s Front Range, with the state’s Air Quality Control Commissioners (AQCC) facing increased pressure to address the region’s ozone crisis. During an annual report on ozone levels, community members, environmental advocates, and state officials gathered in north Denver for a listening tour to spotlight the severe health impacts of pollution on local residents.

Following the annual AQCC report on October 16, commissioners took to the streets of Globeville and Elyria-Swansea, where community members shared stories of how chronic pollution affects their daily lives. From the Rainbow Bridge, overlooking industrial smokestacks and the Suncor refinery, residents voiced frustrations over the persistent pollution that contributes to asthma, nosebleeds, and missed school days for children.

Mercedes Gonzalez, a local resident, addressed the commissioners directly: “The air we breathe is completely contaminated by different chemicals,” she said, pointing toward nearby industrial facilities like the Purina pet food plant and Suncor. “We deserve respect.”

​The AQCC’s report revealed that Colorado’s northern Front Range remains in “severe” non-compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ozone limits set in 2008. In 2015, the EPA tightened those limits, and the region is now in “serious” violation of the updated standards. With a looming 2027 deadline to reduce ozone levels, state officials have only two summer seasons left to make substantial progress before facing stricter federal penalties.

Scott Landes, a state air pollution meteorologist, presented data showing that ozone levels exceeded safe limits on multiple days this past summer, even without the added impact of wildfire smoke. “We had an ozone exceedance on eight days in June alone,” Landes reported. The AQCC must now implement previously passed regulations and explore new strategies to cut emissions before the deadline.

A coalition of environmental and justice organizations, including Earthworks and the Sierra Club, have called for Colorado to take immediate action. They are urging the AQCC to request a downgrade to “extreme” nonattainment status, which would give the state additional tools to curb emissions. This could include stricter permitting for oil and gas sites and potential limits on vehicle emissions, particularly during the peak ozone season.

Despite some existing measures, like seasonal restrictions on lawn equipment, advocates argue that Colorado has yet to fully utilize its authority under the Clean Air Act. The continued emissions from major polluters like Suncor remain a significant concern for local communities. Harmony Cummings, a local organizer with the Green House Connection Center, emphasized that fines alone are insufficient: “Suncor is making millions in profits every day, while $10 million settlements barely make a dent.”

Read the full article from the Colorado Sun HERE

The challenges Colorado faces in reducing ozone levels are daunting but not insurmountable. Mike Silverstein, director of the Regional Air Quality Council, highlighted the need for substantial reductions in local emissions, particularly from the oil and gas industry. One solution under consideration is to limit oil and gas production during the summer months when ozone levels peak.

The Green House Connection Center continues to advocate for aggressive policies to protect the health of Commerce City and north Denver residents. As the state grapples with finding solutions, community members are demanding more than just words—they are calling for meaningful action to address the long-standing environmental injustices they face.

The Green House Connection Center remains committed to amplifying the voices of those affected by pollution. Follow our blog and social media channels for updates on upcoming hearings, public comment opportunities, and ways to take action in the fight for cleaner air and healthier communities. Together, we can push for a future where everyone can breathe easier.

For nearly five years, Colorado’s Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has been working to implement new rules that would protect the health of Coloradans by addressing “cumulative impacts” from oil and gas development. These rules are especially important for communities like Commerce City and north Denver, where overlapping sources of pollution already make the air unsafe to breathe.

The ECMC’s draft rules, released earlier this year, aimed to consider the existing pollution levels in a community before allowing new drilling projects. The proposed changes would require oil and gas operators to engage more with local residents and ensure better coordination with air quality regulators. The intention is to take a comprehensive view of pollution, considering not just one project, but how all sources of pollution—from highways to factories—combine to affect local health.

This change is essential for areas like Commerce City, which suffers from some of the highest pollution levels in the country. Here at the Green House Connection Center (GHCC), we’ve seen firsthand how these cumulative impacts can worsen asthma, heart disease, and other health issues, especially in low-income neighborhoods.

Despite years of work and extensive community input, the rulemaking process is now on hold. Lawmakers recently introduced HB24-1346, a new bill that seeks to expand the ECMC’s authority beyond oil and gas projects to include new technologies like carbon capture. The bill also redefines cumulative impacts to cover all energy activities, not just drilling, and aims to minimize harm to public health and the environment.

Given these changes, the ECMC decided to pause its current rulemaking process to align with the potential legislative updates. According to ECMC Commissioner Jeff Robins, this pause is necessary to give lawmakers time to redefine what the commission should be focusing on. However, this delay is concerning for communities like ours that urgently need stronger protections.

In Commerce City, where pollution from the Suncor refinery and other industrial operations already affects thousands, delays in regulations can have serious consequences. Approving new oil and gas projects without fully considering their cumulative impacts only worsens the existing air quality crisis. Environmental advocates, like Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson from Earthworks, argue that the state has the tools to better regulate these industries and protect vulnerable communities but needs to act more decisively.

​While the state rethinks its regulatory approach, it’s crucial for communities like ours to stay involved. The Green House Connection Center remains committed to advocating for stronger rules that prioritize public health. We encourage everyone to stay informed, participate in public hearings, and make their voices heard.

Let’s continue to fight for cleaner air and a healthier future for all our neighbors. Follow us for updates on how you can get involved on this important issue.

Updated: Nov 14, 2024

In March, Mayor Mike Johnston announced that Globeville and Elyria-Swansea would receive $35.5 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) grant. The projects, including new pedestrian bridges, a greenway corridor, and environmental remediation of a former landfill, are set to begin construction in 2025. These developments aim to improve transportation infrastructure and address community needs in the National Western Center and CSU Spur areas.

While this funding represents a significant step forward, we at the Green House have concerns. Community leaders like Caroline Acha of Tepeyac Community Health Center have pointed out the long history of disinvestment in these neighborhoods and emphasized the importance of improving walkability and reducing pollution, both of which are critical for residents’ health. However, it’s essential that these projects directly address the needs of the people who live here.

Harmony Cummings, expressed concern that these projects aren’t what the community has been asking for. According to Harmony, residents often talk about the need for better sidewalks and bike lanes that would allow them to connect with the places they need to go, not just the National Western Center. The concern is that these projects might prioritize the needs of developers over the everyday needs of the people who live in these neighborhoods.

It’s important that we stay vigilant, ensuring these projects truly serve the residents of Globeville and Elyria-Swansea and aren’t just another example of infrastructure that leaves them behind. 

Find the full article from the GES Gazette HERE

On February 1, 2024, we had the incredible honor of hosting Jane Fonda, the Oscar-winning actress and climate activist, right here in Commerce City. As one of the most polluted zip codes in the United States, this area has long struggled with the health impacts of industrial pollution. Fonda’s visit was an important moment in our ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the environmental injustices faced by our community.

Thanks to Harmony Cummings, Fonda was able to tour the neighborhood and hear firsthand from local activists about the harmful effects of pollution. From the Suncor refinery to the Purina pet food facility and the I-70 corridor, we’ve long known that the air here is unsafe, but Fonda’s visit helped shine a national spotlight on the issue.

During the tour, Fonda met with residents and activists who shared their stories of nosebleeds, headaches, and other health impacts caused by the pollution. She took notes, wiped away tears, and offered her full support, saying, “We will fight with you.” Her words were not only a powerful endorsement but also a testament to the strength of our community and the power of collective action.

Read the full article here: Denver 7 News: Jane Fonda's climate activism brings her to Denver's most polluted neighborhood

Fonda has been a vocal advocate for climate justice through her Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which supports local candidates committed to environmental change. During her visit, she pledged to continue using her platform to raise awareness and support policy change. This is a crucial moment for us, and we are incredibly grateful for Fonda’s commitment to stand with us as we fight for cleaner air and a healthier future.

We look forward to continuing this fight with her and with all of you, our community. Together, we will make our voices heard.

Read more on the day:

Denver Post: Jane Fonda ledges to join fight for cleaner air in north Denver, Commerce City 
​
Denverite: Jane Fonda visited Elyria-Swansea to talk pollution and politics

Updated: Nov 14, 2024

In response to a surge in odor complaints from residents, the Green House Connection Center recently participated in discussions with the Purina pet food facility and Denver’s Love My Air program. The aim was to address persistent foul odors affecting the Elyria-Swansea community, where industrial pollution has long been a concern.

Harmony Cummings, our founder, appreciated the initiative but called for more equitable involvement: “We’re glad to see industry willing to listen, but we believe residents should be compensated for sharing their experiences.” The lack of financial support limits participation from those most affected.

While the meeting was a positive step, concerns remain. Cummings highlighted how locals have grown resigned to the constant odor: “This is just how it is. Many have given up trying to change it.” Residents have reported headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation linked to the pollution, but officials claim odors only cause annoyance, not health impacts. However, research suggests otherwise, with studies connecting odor exposure to negative physical and mental health outcomes.

The current odor regulations, which require diluted air tests to confirm violations, make enforcement challenging. In recent years, Purina has only been fined once, despite ongoing complaints.

Looking ahead, we plan to continue pushing for stronger regulations and increased community involvement in addressing pollution. Residents are encouraged to document their experiences and report issues through Denver’s 311 system. As we work towards long-term solutions, our goal is to ensure that the voices of affected communities are not just heard, but acted upon. 

Find the full article from the GES Gazette HERE.

We at the Green House Connection Center are excited to announce that we’ve been awarded funding as part of Colorado’s new environmental justice grant initiative. This funding is aimed at empowering communities like ours in Elyria-Swansea, the most polluted neighborhood in the U.S., to tackle environmental injustices directly.

Harmony Cummings, who previously worked in the oil and gas industry, now dedicates her efforts to fighting pollution in our community. She describes Suncor as a "fire-breathing dragon" harming our children’s health but sees this grant as a step towards solutions.

With this support, we launched our “Pollution and Solutions” program, which helps neighbors engage in government decision-making processes. It ensures that our voices are heard alongside powerful industries. The funds also allow us to host educational and cultural events. For example, we’re organizing a tea-making party this Friday to connect with our community, where we’ll distribute water filters to ensure families have clean drinking water.

We are also collaborating with the Black Parents United Foundation, led by board member Nikie Wells, who understands the impacts of pollution firsthand as an asthmatic mother. Together, we’re leveraging this grant to raise awareness and drive change.

While we’re grateful for this funding, it’s just a start. Colorado’s frontline communities need continued support to truly overcome environmental challenges and build healthier futures. 

Find the full article from 7 News  HERE.

​Alongside a coalition of over 60 environmental groups, we gathered on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol during Governor Jared Polis' State of the State address to demand urgent climate action. The rally, organized by United for Colorado’s Climate (UCC), was a powerful demonstration against the worsening climate crisis, underscored by last year’s devastating Marshall Fire in Louisville, Superior, and Boulder County. Despite challenges securing a permit for the event—facing multiple rejections and obstacles due to the governor’s speech—we persisted with the crucial support of the ACLU. Their legal intervention helped overturn restrictive policies that had initially suppressed our right to gather, ensuring that our voices could be heard.

Find the full article from 5280 HERE. 

The rally, strategically timed to coincide with the start of Colorado's legislative session, was a bold call for climate change to be prioritized by state leaders. Over the past year, we’ve joined UCC in urging Governor Polis to take more decisive climate action, yet despite submitting a letter with our demands in late 2021, we have yet to receive a response.

At the rally, Harmony Cummings, who transitioned from a career in the oil and gas industry to advocating for environmental justice through the Green House Connection Center, delivered a powerful speech. She spoke about the urgent need for Governor Polis to prioritize climate over profit-driven interests, especially as Colorado continues to approve thousands of new oil and gas permits despite the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Roadmap.

Together with our allies, we reiterated the call for bold steps, including declaring a climate emergency, phasing out fossil fuel production by 2030, and transitioning to a fully decarbonized energy grid. This rally was not just a demand for stronger climate policies but also a defense of our right to stand up for our communities. As we made clear on the Capitol steps, climate justice cannot wait, and neither will we.

Find the full article from 5280 HERE.