We must "correlate our economic behavior—every aspect of it: production, consumption, habitation—with the welfare of other species."
—Verlyn Klinkenborg, New York Times
What the grass roots and good science taught Boulder, Boulder can bring to the state. And Colorado can bring to the world.
On climate change, Boulder was first 20 years ago with the chlorofluorocarbon ban I proposed to city council.
First in 2002 with the Boulder Kyoto Resolution's goal of reducing GHG(Greenhouse Gases) 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.
First in passing a comprehensive community Climate Action Plan in 2006 for a sustainable energy future.
First in voting last year for the nation's only carbon tax to fund GHG reduction.
Following Boulder's lead, now Colorado has a Climate Action Plan, but we can do more than "move toward" California's clean air standards within two years, as the plan calls for. We can adopt them, like 13 other states. We can do better than "20 by 2020"— reducing GHG 20 percent over 12 years under the plan. We can follow Boulder's lead, and see action by 2012.
On wildlife, wilderness, and open space, Boulder was first. I helped pass Colorado's
first municipal wildlife plan, stiffer wetlands protections than federal law provides, and the mitigation of Boulder Reservoir habitat loss. Open Space charter protection and Boulder's Greenways Plan were a piece of the agenda. As regent I helped keep CU's South Campus undeveloped, while its East Campus will house new development like bioscience research.
On protection from toxics, Boulder led with the landmark pesticide ordinance I proposed and helped pass with my city council colleagues.
On sustainability, Boulder pioneered recycling 30 years ago and works now to end the need for landfills through zero waste. Sustainability must be more than a buzzword. Sustainability must be a way of life. As a former Ecocycle Board and current Founders' Society member, I've helped Ecocycle lead us there.
I'm proud of my environmental activism, from editing the Guia Ecologica, Costa Rica's first directory of environmental NGOs, to species protection in the world's largest marine sanctuary in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, to helping both the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory and CU's Center for Energy and Environmental Security get off the ground. I'm proud of the Center's annual Carlisle Distinguished Service Award just announced in my honor.
From utilities regulation to the Roan Plateau, Boulder activism is just what the Colorado Senate needs. Groups such as those my opponent has belonged to have worked to ease environmental regulations. I'll be the opposite. There's too much big business influence over environmental policy, not too little. And I know business-friendly half-measures are not what this senate district wants.
Colorado is at a crossroads. On every front—air, water, wildlife, wilderness, renewable energy, green living—Colorado needs Boulder activism pushing hard in the right directions. As your senator I won't be shy about being a Boulder activist.
When it comes to the environment, we can do more. We can do better.
We can lead.
Back to top
