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.
A Community’s Plea for Cleaner Air
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 Urgency of Ozone Compliance
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.
Advocates Push for Stronger Enforcement
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
A Call for Bold Action
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.
Get Involved
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.
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