Issue Position: Protecting the Environment

Issue Position

As a resident, I was trained to be an advocate as well as a doctor. I became involved with the Union of Concerned Scientists and had the opportunity to meet with members of the Obama Administration to discuss the health effects of coal-burning power plants on the health of children. As a result of this work, I was honored as a "Champion of Change" by the Obama White House. In recent years, oil and gas production has moved into heavily populated areas in Colorado and will pose an increasing threat to the health of individuals in the metro area. Fracking releases toxic chemicals into the air and children are at particular risk from exposure due to their size and anatomy. Well sites should be kept away from schools and houses by increasing the required setbacks. Given the changes the current administration in D.C. is making to the EPA, states will have to take the driver's seat on environmental protections, and Colorado should strive to support stronger infrastructure for electric vehicles so that they can become a more feasible alternative from gas powered vehicles for more people.

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