Colorado’s smoky skies do not simply impair our views; they are a real health risk – especially for those already suffering respiratory issues. And while wildfires have always been a part of life in the West, and a reality on our forests and rangelands, the Colorado Health Institute considers them a top health threat from climate change. That is because the science is clear: As the globe warms due to climate change, wildfires will become more frequent and more extreme. We need climate action, and we need elected leaders who take their obligations seriously, not simply spend their time chasing cash and dodging constituents.
When he asked for our vote in 2014, Senator Cory Gardner made a big show of posing pretty by windmills. Since then, however, he has done virtually nothing to address climate change. Gardner voted against sensible methane rules, and even voted against acknowledging the human role in climate change. Gardner’s website on “Energy and Environment” does not even mention climate change, let alone propose any policy solutions.
Colorado deserves a senator who will work to solve the critical issues of the day, as smoke clogs our skies and the vulnerable among us are warned to spend their summer days indoors because of it. It would be nice if Senator Gardner would be one of those leaders that Colorado can count on. So far, we’re still waiting.
Eileen Skahill
Palmer Lake
