As a physician who has practiced medicine in Colorado for 40 years, I want to make our community aware of the adverse health effects of air pollution, and invite you to join me in urging the Air Quality Control Commission to vote for strong and effective rules.
The world has warmed by 1.2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial average. This has been associated with weather extremes that we all have witnessed. Burning fossil fuels which is primarily responsible for this global warming is also responsible for harmful air pollution. Air pollution is the fourth highest risk factor for global mortality (after high blood pressure, cigarette smoking and unhealthy diets). Air pollution contributes to a decrease in average life expectancy of 20 months. There does not appear to be a truly safe level of exposure to air pollution since increases in mortality have been documented at very low levels.
The Colorado General Assembly has acknowledged that “Colorado is already experiencing harmful climate impacts” and that “by reducing greenhouse gas pollution, Colorado will also reduce other harmful pollutants, which will improve public health.”
The General Assembly earlier this year updated its statewide greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals for industry. This legislation directs the AQCC to develop rules to implement the legislation. The AQCC will meet Sept. 21 to Sept. 22 to consider the draft of these rules known as GEMM2. This draft outlines a fair but appropriately aggressive set of rules. This draft should not be watered down or contaminated by loopholes.
Eugenia Miller
Durango
