Letters: Don’t undo mileage standards (4/22/20)
Don’t undo mileage standards
Re: “Trump rollback guts climate change push,” April 1 news story
As if the public health crisis caused by COVID-19 was not already devastating enough, a new study shows that COVID-19 patients living in areas with high air pollution are more likely to die of the illness. The air pollution in the Front Range has posed threats to our health for a long time, and this is the most recent example of how people are being affected.
We know that global warming makes air pollution worse. But instead of making moves to stop global warming and reduce pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to rewrite our national clean cars standards is a move in the wrong direction. I urge Sen. Cory Gardner to join Sen. Michael Bennet and call on the EPA to change course. America and Colorado will beat coronavirus. As we do, let’s work toward beating air pollution too.
Ellen Montgomery, Denver
Re: “Numbers drop as drivers stay put,” April 4 news story
The fact that our federal government is attempting to reverse standards needed to reduce fossil fuel emissions is unacceptable. I completely understand the gravity of COVID-19, and I do not mean to diminish that in any way. However, the climate crisis will be just as abrupt and devastating.
Alexx Hoholik, Parker
Suspend oil and gas leasing
Re: “No quick rebound in sight,” April 9 news story
With the current global oil demand deficit projected to persist long-term, there is more concern over oil storage capacity than where next to drill. Thus, the Interior Department should suspend all leasing of federal parcels for hydrocarbon development, especially in the undeveloped Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
While two lease sales in the Alaskan refuge are legally mandated by 2021 and 2024, there is no demand because hydrocarbon resources are relatively unknown and without infrastructure, financing becomes risky.
Taxpayers deserve a better return on our investments. Congress should amend the 2017 law to strike the lease sale mandate in ANWR until oil markets demand. Considering global warming, that economic condition may never again exist.
Greg Scott, Evergreen
Take steps to save the bees
In the summer of 2019, I spent six weeks in Sweden studying pollination biology at a research station on the island of Öland. My professor impressed upon me exactly how dire the situation is for bee species worldwide. Beekeepers have reported losing an average of 30% of all honeybee colonies each winter, a loss that is double what is considered sustainable. The populations are declining in part due to the increase in the use of pesticides such as neonicotinoids. These chemicals lead to colony collapse and can impede the insects’ ability to navigate properly.
We have alternatives to these pesticides including ecologically-based pest management. Organic farming methods and diversified farming approaches would keep pest populations balanced. We need to take action in order to revitalize these struggling pollinator populations. Earlier this month, the Pollinator Protector Act of 2020 was passed by Colorado lawmakers, which has been a step in the right direction, but allows many exemptions for the use of neonicotinoids. I am urging for a statewide ban and I call on Colorado’s leaders to make the right decision.
Cleo Corliss-Gremillion, Sante Fe
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