Here are Colorado is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and vibrant communities. However, behind this picturesque facade lies a pressing issue: the detrimental effects of oil and gas production on our air, water, climate, health, safety, and scenic beauty.
In response to these impacts, SB24-159, also known as the Phase Out and Clean Up bill, has emerged as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, healthier future for all Coloradans.
What is SB24-159?
SB24-159 is a proposed bill aimed at phasing out new oil and gas permits in Colorado by 2030 while ensuring polluters – not taxpayers – pay for the cleanup of dead and dying wells.
Co-championed by environmental organizations 350 Colorado and WildEarth Guardians and supported by over 50 organizations across Colorado, this bill represents a crucial step towards addressing the harmful impacts of fossil fuel production on our communities and the environment.
Coloradans know we need to set an end date to the fracking industry’s relentless expansion by phasing out new permits. Oil and gas corporations have already drilled over 120,000 wells in our state and have nearly 50,000 in production.
The industry exports from Colorado around 40% of the oil and 75% of the gas they extract, so Coloradans get the pollution while these corporations get the profit. Enough is enough. The time is now to protect our children’s future and leave something for future generations. Later is too late.
Benefits for the Average Coloradan:
Cleaner Air, Land and Water
Oil and gas operations (drilling, fracking, and production) are the #1 source in Colorado of air pollution causing our severe ozone pollution problem and fueling the climate crisis, and it releases carcinogenic PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and petroleum hydrocarbons, including benzene and xylene, into our environment.
By phasing out new oil and gas permits, SB24-159 aims to reduce toxic and carbon pollution and improve air and water quality across the state. This means fewer health risks associated with breathing polluted air and drinking contaminated water, benefiting everyone from families in urban areas to ranchers in rural communities.
Healthier Communities
Oil and gas pollution and safety hazards, including spills and blowouts, often disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color.
Communities of color also suffer disproportionately from the impacts of climate change SB24-159 prioritizes reducing oil and gas permits in disproportionately impacted communities first, ensuring that all Coloradans have equal access to clean air, clean water, and a safe, healthy environment.
Safer Climate
Coloradans are already experiencing disproportionate heating effects from greenhouse gas emissions and the destructive impacts including worsening wildfires, floods, droughts and harm to important economic sectors, such as agriculture, winter sports, and tourism.
The oil and gas industry is Colorado’s biggest source of climate pollution. SB24-159 is a big step toward aligning with global calls to action from the UN and International Energy Agency that no new fossil fuel development should occur in order to keep global temperature rise below 1.5-2℃ and leave a thriving world for future generations.
Economic Opportunities
Contrary to industry claims that transitioning away from fossil fuels will ruin the economy, the oil and gas industry currently accounts for only:
- 3.3% of Colorado’s GDP
- Less than 1% of jobs in Colorado
As global demand for fossil fuel is expected to decrease, local communities are more likely to thrive during this time of global decarbonization if investments shift to support a sustainable economy.
Colorado demand for oil and gas has already been in decline. This decline will continue due to cheaper clean energy and state policies to decarbonize. By investing in renewable energy and green infrastructure, we can create sustainable jobs while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
SB24-159 presents an opportunity to begin a managed decline in new drilling that can further make way for economic growth and job creation already underway in the clean energy sector.
How Can You Advocate for SB24-159 (Phase Out and Clean Up Bill)?
Contact Your Legislators
Reach out to your state senators and representatives and urge them to support SB24-159. Share with them the benefits of the bill and how it will positively impact your community and the environment.
→ Utilize this one-click email we’ve drafted for you to send a message to your legislators!
Spread the Word
Use your voice to raise awareness about SB24-159 among your friends, family, and social networks. Here are some ways to help:
- Share information about the bill on social media
- Attend community events
- Engage in conversations about the importance of transitioning to clean energy
→ Use our toolkit to post, share, and raise awareness!
Write a Letter to the Editor on the Phase Out and Clean Up Bill
Do you have time to take your advocacy to the next level? With 1-4 hours, you can write and submit a short opinion piece about this bill. As one of the most read sections in a newspaper, getting published in the opinions section is a great way to get your ideas in front of the public.
→ Use this SB24-159 LTE toolkit to write your letter. If you would like help writing and scheduling your letter contact Heidi@350Colorado.org
Meet With Your Legislators
Emails and phone calls are excellent advocacy tools, especially when big groups of people work together to make themselves heard. Want to be certain that your legislator is hearing your message? Set up a one-on-one meeting with them! You can also attend a town hall meeting to advocate for SB24-159 and other important bills and issues.
→ Sign up for Climate Lobby Day 2024 to learn the ropes and meet with legislators on March 1!
Join Advocacy Groups
Get involved with local environmental organizations and advocacy groups working to promote SB24-159. By joining forces with like-minded individuals, you can amplify your impact and make a difference in shaping policies that benefit our planet and future generations.
→ Join 350CO’s Legislative Action Committee to get involved with advocating for climate solutions at the capitol on a regular basis!
Keep Learning
Get to know the Phase Out Clean Up Bill well enough to address concerns others might have and become a powerful advocate for this important bill. Here are some resources that will help!