Current work in wildlife, rivers, public lands, and climate

Denver—WildEarth Guardians today called on the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division and Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to suspend the issuance of new permits for oil and gas drilling and fracking operations in light of the COVID-19 health crisis.

“In light of our unprecedented health crisis, all we’re asking is that our environmental and health regulators give people a break,” said Jeremy Nichols, Climate and Energy Program Director for WildEarth Guardians.  “Not only does more drilling and fracking pose serious health risks to Coloradans, but these proposals are a simply burden right now as people prioritize protecting their health, their families, and their communities.”

The call comes as the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission is set to hold a public meeting today to weigh whether to move forward with developing regulations to curb the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.  WildEarth Guardians will be weighing in to urge the Commission to move quickly and aggressively to slash climate pollution by adopting a 100% renewable energy standard and phasing out oil and gas production.

“We’re in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis, but there is also opportunity to help steer Colorado toward a more sustainable future,” said Nichols.  “As we respond to the coronavirus, our aim should be to ensure that people come before polluters.”