The fight for clean air is a fight for health, and nowhere is this truer than in Commerce City, Colorado. Residents living in the shadow of the Suncor oil refinery face a daily struggle with air pollution that is taking a toll on their health.
Cultivando, a local environmental justice organization, is at the forefront of this fight. They are working tirelessly to expose the negative impacts of the refinery on the community's health and to demand clean air for all.
Health Concerns on the Rise
The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) lent its voice to Cultivando's press conference, with Dr. Ramona Beltran and Dr. Stephanie Malin highlighting the lived experiences of families burdened by the refinery's emissions.
Dr. Stephanie Malin, during the conference, shared a troubling fact relayed to her by a teacher working in Commerce City. The teacher reported that 16 out of 20 students in their class have asthma or another respiratory health issue. This alarming statistic highlights the rise in asthma rates among children living near the refinery and underscores the impact of environmental pollution on their health. This is a clear sign that the air quality is having a detrimental effect on the community's most vulnerable population.
Cultivando's own year-long air quality monitoring project has revealed concerning levels of pollutants linked to the refinery. These pollutants have been linked to a range of health problems, including:
Respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis
Heart disease
Cancer
The residents of Commerce City are not just numbers on a data sheet; they are real people suffering from real health problems. They experience the daily struggles of breathing polluted air, and Cultivando is amplifying their voices.
Fighting for a Healthier Future
Cultivando is not just collecting data; they are taking action. They are:
Educating the community about the risks of air pollution and their rights to clean air.
Advocating for stricter regulations on the oil and gas industry.
Holding corporations accountable for their environmental impact.
By bringing awareness to this issue and demanding change, Cultivando is fighting for a healthier future for the residents of Commerce City.
Join the Fight for Clean Air
The fight for clean air in Commerce City is a fight for all of us. We can all play a role in supporting Cultivando and their efforts. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Spread awareness: Share information about Cultivando's work and the air quality issues in Commerce City.
Contact your local representatives: Let them know that you support stricter environmental regulations on the oil and gas industry.
Donate to Cultivando: Your support can help them continue their fight for clean air.
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone has the right to breathe clean air.
