Protecting our Environment
Sand Hill Cranes on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge- Photo by Rio de la Vista
There is no state that is prouder of its physical environment than Colorado, and it is why most of us are drawn here. The state whose "fruited plains" and "purple mountains majesty" inspired "America the Beautiful," deserves to be preserved and protected. The legacy of our public lands must be passed to future generations and I will work tirelessly in the State Senate to preserve it.
Unfortunately, today Colorado's lands are under tremendous pressure. Unrelenting growth, aggressive energy development, federal lands up for grabs, and roadless areas on the chopping block -- the pressure is unbelievable, and it's not letting up. We cannot be too vigilant in guarding against long-term negative consequences.
Comments
With the population growth in this country I feel we need to utilize our resouces. This would mean jobs and an increase in tax revenue from oil and natural gas taxes. There has to be a way we can keep our state beautiful and use these resources. We live in the North Fork Valley and my husband works in one of the coal mines here. I'm afraid President Obama will take away our lively hood before he gives us alternative employment. If the mines here close there isn't a viable way for many to make a living here. The coal that is mined here is very clean burning coal and is usually mixed with lesser coals when it is burned. I believe we should save some of Colorado as wilderness but not all. Every one should have the right to use our parks and if the Roadless Rule happens then many handicapped people will be denied that right. I love our enviorment and I believe we should protect it but I think we need to find that fine line between using it and abusing it.
Is Senator Schwartz committed to supporting EPA oversight of the Clean Water Act and state responsiveness in enforcing federal guidelines as it is a hot topic in Colorado these days, with U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette’s (D-Denver) FRAC Act seeking to remove a Safe Drinking Water Act exemption for the natural-gas process called hydraulic fracturing.
As a member of the Pitkin Co. P/Z Board, I would urge my Senator to support the restriction of hydraulic fracturing on the western slope.
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