I live about a mile-and-a-half north of downtown Durango. Almost every winter evening when I step outside, the air I breathe smells of smoke from wood stoves and wood-burning fireplaces. Similar conditions likely exist elsewhere within the city limits.
The situation will worsen as the population in our area grows. This is unhealthy for our planet and unhealthy for our lungs. Measurements of air quality and health risks should be undertaken. It’s likely that remedial measures are needed. What would they be? This should be a matter for public debate.
My own opinion is that, in affected areas, wood burning in fireplaces should be banned, wood stoves for heating should not be allowed in new construction, and that owners of wood stoves for heating should be required to convert to gas or solar within two years. I don’t think people who rely on wood stoves for heating should have to bear the cost of conversion. It should be subsidized by the government and financed by more progressive taxes on those who can afford it.
Reasonable remediation of health hazards when needed is not socialism. It is not an assault on our freedoms. It is instituting common sense policies for the common good.
Edward PackardDurango
