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Guardians Escalates Action for Climate in Colorado, Announces New Hiring

Date
September 2, 2020
Contact
Jeremy Nichols, WildEarth Guardians, (303) 437-7663, jnichols@wildearthguardians.org
In This Release
Climate + Energy  
#COCleanAir, #JustTransition, #KeepItInTheGround
Denver–WildEarth Guardians this week declared its intent to step up efforts to advance climate action in Colorado, announcing plans to hire a new Climate Campaigner dedicated to holding Governor Jared Polis accountable to getting the state back on track to reduce greenhouse gases.

“Colorado is not remotely on track to reduce greenhouse gases consistent with the law, science, and our moral responsibility to the future,” said Jeremy Nichols, Climate and Energy Program Director.  “We aim to change that by investing more deeply than ever in our campaign to ensure Governor Jared Polis follows through with his commitment to bold climate action and justice.”

WildEarth Guardians’ decision to hire a new full-time campaigner dedicated to holding Governor Polis accountable comes amid mounting advocacy to ensure Colorado meets greenhouse gas reduction targets established by House Bill 19-1261. This landmark climate law, one of the strongest in the nation, required a 26% reduction in emissions by 2025, a 50% reduction by 2030, and 90% reduction by 2050.

When signing the law, Governor Polis stated, “This is about the health of our planet. Particularly in a state with climate-dependent industries like agriculture and the skiing industry, it’s important that we show leadership.”

Unfortunately reports indicate Colorado is not on track to reduce greenhouse gases consistent with House Bill 19-1261. And in July, the state missed a key legal deadline to propose new rules to reduce climate pollution.

WildEarth Guardians filed suit against the Governor over the missed legal deadline. In the meantime, the state continues to lag behind in reducing greenhouse gases, even while acknowledging the need for bold action and even as public support for climate action is higher than ever.

“Governor Polis just doesn’t seem to understand that it’s not enough to talk the talk, he needs to walk the walk,” said Nichols.  “With our latest hire, we hope to get through to the Governor and convince him to take bold climate action consistent with public support, the law, and with his commitment to leadership.”

This week’s job announcement comes on the heels of a concerted campaign to pressure Governor Polis to follow through with his commitment to climate action and climate justice. Over the last two months, WildEarth Guardians has engaged in an online ad blitz targeting the Governor with most recent ads appearing in the Denver Post, Boulder Daily Camera, and other news outlets.

The ads urge people to sign a petition calling on Governor Polis to ensure climate action and climate justice in Colorado. More than 10,000 have signed the petition to date.

A broad and growing coalition of advocates has also formed in the past year, with efforts focused on holding Governor Polis accountable to greenhouse gas reductions and environmental justice.

“More than ever, WildEarth Guardians is committed to investing in climate action for Colorado,” said Nichols.  “Together with other advocates, concerned citizens, frontline communities, and everyday Coloradans who care about the state, we’re sending the message that we won’t back down and we won’t stop until Colorado is on track for justice, a healthy environment, and a safe climate.”

WildEarth Guardians intends to hire its Colorado Climate Campaigner by October 1, 2020. Applications will be accepted until September 22, 2020.

Online ad that ran on the Denver Post website the week of August 31, 2020.