The Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) is holding a rare public meeting in western Colorado on Thursday, June 20 at the Grand Junction City Hall Auditorium (250 N. 5th St). C’mon down to voice your support for clean air, healthy communities and public health.

The Air Quality Control Commission meeting begins at 9:00 am, with an opportunity for public comment at 7:00 pm.  In order to accommodate everyone who wishes to speak, comments will be limit to three minutes from individuals and ten minutes per group. Handouts will also be accepted at the time of the meeting (please bring 13 copies for distribution to the Commissioners and staff).  Click here to see the full agenda.

If you can’t attend the meeting, you may email comments to: cdphe.aqcc-comments@state.co.us

A few thoughts as you consider attending:

• CDPHE can be more involved in the regulation and permitting of oil & gas, as well as uranium, in Colorado!
• Let’s make oil & gas safer by reducing fugitive emissions, limiting open pits and stopping flaring.  CDPHE also needs to prioritize in-depth analyses of oil & gas’ health impacts.
• Uranium’s possible comeback in western Colorado could risk public health, and the pending Pinyon Ridge Uranium Mill air permit should include both high standards and local hearings.
• Grand Junction’s winter time inversions this year were so bad that sensitive populations were forced to stay indoors. Something needs to be done on regional ozone before Mesa County’s air gets even worse!
• CDPHE can help local air quality by partnering with BLM on Resource Management Plans; by advocating for strict industry pollution standards, and by managing Off Highway Vehicle travel on western Colorado’s dirt roads.
• The Air Quality Control Commission includes some locals.  Click here to read more about the Commissioners.
• As stewards, it’s important for CDPHE err on the side of public health and safety, not corporate profits.