I choose to live in Colorado for the exceptional opportunities its outdoors provide. Our state has unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, an exceptional quality of life, and stunning natural beauty. Here in the southwest alone, we can be skiing down endless slopes, climbing in the desert and kayaking down the Animas all in the same day. I am a veteran of the Iraq war, and have found the best therapy lies in our incredible wilderness.
However, if we want to preserve all the things that make Colorado an adventure-capital of the country, we need to take bold and swift action to address climate change. As we saw last year, our warming climate means wetter winters with more rain on the snowpack, longer mud seasons, and harsher fires across the state. Likewise, Colorado hospitals admit over 4,000 people each year for asthma, the costs of which are astoundingly high and affect the insurance premiums we all pay. I’d rather keep that money for more climbing gear, if I have the choice.
The Obama administration’s recently finalized Clean Power Plan presents a great opportunity to take simple actions to address these issues. The Clean Power Plan intends to reduce the massive amount of carbon pollution released from power plants each year, which makes up 40 percent of the climate change-causing carbon pollution in our atmosphere. It is uniquely structured so that each state can develop a plan that works for them individually, so Colorado can rise to this challenge the Colorado way – with collaboration and forward-thinking leadership.
The Clean Power Plan is our best shot at preserving the places we love the most. Thanks to Gov. Hickenlooper for supporting this plan; please act quickly to reduce our state’s carbon pollution and keep Colorado beautiful.
Steve Groetken
Durango
