August 23, 2021 03:37 PM UTC

What you can do to fight for progress this week (August 23)

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• by: ProgressNow Colorado

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This summer, Colorado has suffered from the combined effects of human-caused climate change as well as air pollution we all create every day going about our modern lives. Another season of massive wildfires throughout the drought-stricken West has filled the sky with smoke, while ground-level ozone pollution from fossil fuels and “point sources” great and small adds a layer of misery we can’t blame on the wind.

In Colorado, our progressive elected leaders understand this isn’t a problem that can wait any longer. Doing our part in the global response to climate change and cutting harmful air pollution in our homes and communities requires more than euphemisms.

Today, Monday August 23 at 5:30 p.m. MDT, advocates and community leaders will hold a virtual discussion on the threats Coloradans are facing from poor air quality. With communities across the Metro Area facing consistently poor air quality caused by industrial and vehicle pollution—made worse by the escalating climate crisis—this topic is top-of-mind for many Coloradans. Because communities of color, people who earn low incomes, older Coloradans, and children are some of the people most disproportionately affected by pollution, acting on air should be a priority for state and local policymakers whose goals include equitable health.

In addition to the discussion, the event will include new research from the Colorado Fiscal Institute’s recently released Colorado 2050 report. The report, written by environmental policy analyst Pegah Jalali, looks at how several climate-related risk factors will impact Colorado by the year 2050, and how we can build resiliency for the state’s diverse communities and economies.

Who:
State Sen. Julie Gonzales, Colorado Senate District 34
State Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, Colorado House District 32
State Rep. Alex Valdez, Colorado House District 5
Adams County Commissioner Eva Henry
Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio
Dr. Sheela Mahnke, MD, pediatrician, EveryChild Pediatrics
Pegah Jalali, environmental policy analyst, Colorado Fiscal Institute
Renee Chacon, Americorps Vista
Michael Washington, Director of Denver Metro Area Outreach, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for U.S. Senator Michael Bennet
Andres Carrera, Regional Director, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper

What: Virtual panel discussion of health and other threats posed by worsening air quality in the Denver Metro Area.
When: Monday, August 23 at 5:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

As a reminder, next Tuesday, August 31st, Colorado’s Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) is holding stakeholder meetings ahead of a draft proposal expected this September to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets of 36 percent by 2025 and 60 percent by 2030. It’s important that the APCD put forward a strong, comprehensive methane proposal that ensures the oil and gas sector hits their emission reductions targets. This is a chance for you to weigh publicly in support of strong, enforceable rules to reduce GHG emissions. Click here to learn more and register to comment.

Colorado’s once-in-a-decade redistricting process is underway and still needs your input. This week, the commissions to redraw Colorado’s congressional and state legislative political boundaries are visiting Commerce City and Brighton before moving on to Colorado Springs this weekend. Don’t miss the chance to speak up for your community. Click here to sign up to be notified about upcoming redistricting hearings in your area.

Thanks again for your help and participation even in the so-called “off years!” Here are a few more great ways to make a difference for the week of August 23:

Cobalt and ACLU of Colorado: Reproductive Rights Roadshow

Join ACLU of Colorado and Cobalt on Wednesday, August 25 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. for another installment of our Repro Roadshow series! We will discuss the lay of the land on abortion rights in Colorado and will have the opportunity to talk with advocates about what access looks like in our state.

When: Wednesday, August 25 at 11:00am

Click here to RSVP.

350 Colorado: Fossil Free the Federal Reserve Actions!

Why is this Fossil Free Federal Reserve campaign important? Here’s what you need to know: U.S. banks have funneled $1.2 trillion dollars into fossil fuels in the past five years. These big banks won’t stop funding fossil fuels on their own (they’ve been quite clear about that). The good news is that the Federal Reserve — the U.S. central bank — has the legal authority to make fossil fuel finance less desirable and possibly set limits on the financing of fossil fuels. It’s the Fed’s literal job to protect the public interest and economy from systemic risks like climate destruction, but they won’t do it alone. It will take the full weight of the climate movement pushing the Fed to take action and hold banks accountable for funding this crisis.

When: Thursday, August 26 at 11:45pm
Where: Federal Reserve, Denver Branch, 1020 16th St., Denver

Click here to RSVP.

ACLU of Colorado: Annual Meeting: Powered by You

Join us on Thursday, August 26, for our virtual Annual Meeting. Together we will honor local civil liberties heroes, celebrate legislative successes, and look ahead to the next year.

When: Thursday, August 26 at 5:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Conservation Colorado: Annual Legislative Scorecard Event: Fort Collins & Northern Colorado

Join Conservation Colorado for our Annual Legislative Scorecard Event!! You can join Conservation Colorado, Organizer Jesus Castro, and members of the community virtually via Zoom.

When: Thursday, August 26 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

PLANET-Based Living Festival

Be part of the first PLANET-Based Living Festival. This exciting event brings local food trucks, vendors and non-profits together to help celebrate the earth and provide attendees with inspiration and ideas to live kinder on the planet. There will also be yoga in the park, kid’s activities, a boot camp, live music and MORE!

When: Sunday, August 29 at 11:00am
Where: Boulder Bandshell

Click here to RSVP.

We’ll see you next week with more ways to take action. Thanks again.