Fracking and our water
I was very pleased to read Molly Putzig’s article (Re: “Under Pressure,” June 11) about the new tests being conducted by the EPA on the impacts on hydraulic fracturing on our drinking water. Fracking has been known to have many negative impacts on our environment especially its use of huge amounts of water and encouragement of consumption of natural gas. This greatly contributes to global warming also by encouraging the consumption of natural gas. Right now, the EPA is finalizing its Clean Power Plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions nationwide by 30 percent by the year 2030, and will lessen the future impact of global warming by cutting carbon released by power plants. For those who are ready to act for a brighter future and continue progress made towards reducing our carbon footprints and revealing the consequences of tracking to the public, I urge you to call the offices of our senators and ask them to continue to defend the Clean Power Plan. The office number for Senator Michael Bennet is 303-455- 7600 and the office number for Corey Gardener is 970-663-2679.
NG Audrey/Boulder
Thank you Jared
Please thank Representative Jared Polis for his introduction of the Continental Divide Wilderness Area and Recreation bill. The proposed wilderness is in critical areas for wildlife habitat and recreation. The bill will expand the existing Holy Cross, Eagles Nest, and Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Areas; and will also protect areas in the Tenmile Range and Hoosier Ridge, and the Williams Fork Mountains. It will protect the soaring Continental Divide in Summit and eastern Eagle counties. Wilderness areas and other public lands generate billions of dollars for Colorado in jobs and tax revenue. Wilderness also provides clean air and water for everyone. Businesses in Eagle and Summit County support the bill because of the many benefits this protection will bring to their communities. These valuable lands are currently used for hunting, fishing, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding. The lands are threatened by extractive industries that want to mine or drill in these pristine areas.
This modest proposal of 90 square miles can protect important pieces of our Rocky Mountain heritage. Please join the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Sierra Club in asking our entire congressional delegation to support this bi-partisan legislation.
Alan Apt, Wilderness Chair, Sierra Club/Nederland
Drop a dime for the environment
I’m always happy to see articles in the Boulder Weekly that deal with climate change. Your article on June 4: “Talking about the environment,” was no exception. A conference on communication and the environment hopefully will engage a lot of people.
Now we need to take that next step and let our members of Congress know that we are concerned about climate change. From what I hear, Washington says they don’t hear from their constituents enough to know what we are thinking.
On the 23rd of June, I am going to Washington, DC to lobby with 32 other Coloradans and 800 other folks from across the country to let our members of Congress know that we want them to introduce legislation that would put a fee on carbon at its source and then return the money to the American public.
You can help, without even leaving home. On Monday, June 22nd, pick up your phone and call all three of our local representatives and just tell them you want them to do something about climate change. Keep it short and sweet.
Your actions will flood the offices in Washington a day in advance of us showing up at their doors in the halls of Congress.
With all of us acting together, hopefully we can get the legislators to reach across party lines and introduce legislation that will address climate change.
Here are the phone numbers: Senator Bennet 202-224-5852, Senator Gardner 202-224-5941, Representative Polis 202-225-2161
Bobbie Benson/Boulder
Thanks for the 101-word Fiction Contest
Thank you (BW) for one of best times I’ve had in ages! (RE: Fiction 101 contest, April 16) The 101 Word Contest was a smashing success in every way. I do hope a fiction section will happen in the Boulder Weekly. If it does happen, I would love to be involved with it in some way.
Please keep me in mind.
Randy Klutts/Boulder
Editors note: You’re welcome.
