"Wait and see!" The head-spinning 2021 CO legislature - Western Colorado Alliance
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The
Vol . 41 No. 1 Spring 2021
“Wait and see!”
The head-spinning 2021
CO legislature
by Jeriel Clark related bills that couldn’t wait.
Political & By late Friday, the legislature
Organizing recessed with a plan to resume
Director session on February 16.
As packed and busy as it can be, A one-month gap in session
the state Legislature is more-or- made this year odd. At the risk
less reliable in its steadfast rhythm, of messaging their bills too
with legislators working to early, legislators were sitting
determine the fate of hundreds in a cone of silence, and it was We may not be able to discuss the legislature in person
of bills in just 120 days. While difficult for us to anticipate quite yet — so we decided to do something different!
some days can make your head what legislation we would
spin, this year we discovered see introduced at the Capitol.
something far worse than the and Agriculture Committee would allow you to subscribe
busy hum of session was the Important bills emerge members were following a bill to a local rancher too. Not only
“wait and see”mode that we that had passed through the does this mean peace of mind
sat in until February 16. But despite this, our members Wyoming legislature. By the in knowing where your meat
were working hard to make end of the year, our ranchers comes from, it’s also vital for
By early December, rumors sure at least three bills were determined this is exactly what the survival of local ranchers
were circulating that the 2021 introduced — some helping Colorado needed, and luckily, who would benefit from better
Legislative Session would begin draft language and holding several legislators agreed. market access to consumers,
only temporarily, and then meetings with local lawmakers, higher compensation for their
quickly adjourn for a time to let and others sitting in coalition Senate Bill 21-079 (coined the product, and shorter wait times
COVID-19 cases fall. That’s just meetings to discuss strategy. Animal Shares Act) would open for processing — all solving
what happened on January 13. And now that we’re here, a up meat sales for local ranchers problems made worse by the
Our legislators came together at full month into session, we in our community to go directly pandemic. And ranchers and
the Capitol, new and returning have already seen the fruits of to residents here in Western local food consumers are
lawmakers were sworn in, and those efforts start to grow. Colorado. So if you subscribe in luck! This bill has sailed
then they got to work for three to a produce CSA from one of
days to address several COVID- Last year, our local Food your favorite local farms, this bill Continued on page 3
WESTERN COLORADO ALLIANCE NON-PROFIT ORG. Inside
PO BOX 1931 U.S. POSTAGE PAID
GRAND JUNCTION CO 81502 GRAND JUNCTION, CO 2020’s moments of Lightning-fast progress on
PERMIT NO. 134 awakening......................... 2 clean energy....................... 7
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The path to homegrown An important step for local
prosperity.......................... 2 ranchers............................ 7
Meet our new legislative intern, A huge win for UVA &
Daniel Haas....................... 3 the grassroots organizing cycle!
2021 Legislative Guide.......4-5 ...................................... 8
A year of major oil and gas When Mesa County’s Alliance
victories............................ 6 fought for the GJ riverfront.....8
2 Western Colorado Alliance The Clarion Spring 2021
2020’s moments of awakening
by Andreya Krieves urgency to stand up and address Amanda Gorman, the nation’s
Alliance Chair what’s broken and shined a first-ever National Youth Poet
light on the importance and Laureate, in the final lines
2020 will be a year that none effectiveness of organizing. of her poem, “The Hill We
of us will forget. Looking back Climb” that she read at this
at all that has happened in our At home and across the year’s inauguration ceremony:
communities, across our state, country, we saw examples of
and throughout the nation, we ordinary people getting involved We will rebuild, reconcile and
remember the countless moments in organizing; from local mutual recover
that took our collective breath aid groups to innovative and every known nook of our
away. We’ve existed in crisis get-out-the-vote efforts nation and
mode as the relentless events of that resulted in record- every corner called our country,
the past year have exposed deep breaking voter turnout. our people diverse and beautiful
rooted problems, exacerbated will emerge,
inequities, and shown us just As you read through the articles battered and beautiful.
how divided we have become. in this issue of the Clarion, I When day comes we step out of
hope you will be both inspired the shade,
Fortunately, amidst the chaos and invited to act in the many aflame and unafraid,
there have also been moments of ways our Alliance continues to The new dawn blooms as we free it.
awakening and hope as people organize for positive change right For there is always light,
came together in common here in our West Slope commu- if only we’re brave enough to see it.
cause to make a change. The nities. For even more inspiration, If only we’re brave Western Colorado Alliance
crises brought the clarity and I lift up the words and wisdom of enough to be it. Chair Andreya Krieves
The path to homegrown prosperity
by Emily Hornback year of work facilitated by the workers and their families. Our Alliance has long worked
Executive Director newly formed Just Transition Some of the proposed actions for responsible mining laws that
Office (a collaboration between from the plan include: protect our lands, water quality
As national politicians debate the Department of Labor and landowner rights. We also
infrastructure spending bills and Employment and the • Bringing grant- continue to support policy and
and how to “build back better,” Department of Local Affairs) funded programs to practices that limit greenhouse
Colorado has led the nation and was required by legislation coal communities gas emissions and protect our
by creating a first-of-its-kind passed in 2019 to help fulfill climate. At the same time, we
plan to transition communities Colorado’s “moral commitment • Helping coal industry fully recognize that many of
dependent on coal generation to assist the workers and workers and their our rural Western Colorado
and mining to a new economic communities that have powered families plan for communities have been driven
future. In late 2020, the Colorado for generations.” potential job changes by the coal economy for decades
Colorado Final Action Plan for a and we do not want to leave
Just Transition was submitted to Colorado has seven remaining • Creating plans for programs our neighbors or communities
the Governor’s office, outlining coal-fired power plants, several of to help workers retrain in an economic hole caused
the beginnings of what will which are in Western Colorado. and find new jobs by the sudden loss of their
likely be more than a decade’s Most or all are likely to close economic base. As such, we
worth of work to help coal- in the next 10-15 years due to • Collaborating with have supported the creation of
dependent communities avoid increased competition from utilities and mining the Just Transition Action Plan
a devastating economic bust. lower-priced sources of energy companies to help cover and will continue to organize
The plan explicitly advocates as well as laws and regulations to the expense of transition to influence its implementation
for a national strategy, citing the protect public health and counter and execution to benefit our
interstate and even international climate change. As a result, The plan includes many other Western Slope Communities.
nature of the coal industry. But some of Colorado’s six starting points for policy,
it also provides 12 other ways operating coal mines are economic investment, rural To learn more about the
the state is going to support likely to close as well. economic diversification, and Office of Just Transition and
the switch away from coal. Communities in 11 Colorado workforce development. It’s the Action Plan, visit:
counties could be adversely expensive though, with a $100
The Colorado Just Transition affected, along with between million price tag that will require https://cdle.colorado.gov/
Action Plan is the result a 2,000 and 3,000 Colorado federal action to support. the-office-of-just-transition
Our Alliance’s Board of Directors
Our Alliance’s Staff
2481 Commerce Blvd., PO Box 1931 Officers Local Affiliate Directors
Grand Junction CO 81502 Andreya Krieves, Chair, Grand Junction Grand Valley Citizens Alliance
brings people together to build (970) 256-7650 Kevin Kuns, Vice Chair, Montrose Betsy Leonard, Battlement Mesa
Emily Hornback, Executive Director Bill Wellman, Treasurer, Crawford Ridgway-Ouray Community Council
grassroots power through Al Lowande, Ridgway
Jeriel Clark, Political & Organizing Director Brenda Bafus-Williams, Secretary,
community organizing and Montrose Uncompahgre Valley Alliance
Nick Allan, Community Organizer
leadership development. Joel Dyar, Community Organizer
Kevin Kuns, Montrose
Western Colorado Alliance in Mesa County
Our Alliance’s vision for the future Brian Williams, Community Organizer
Steve Allerton, Grand Junction
is one where engaged local voices Arn McConnell, Communications Coordinator
At-large Directors
are leading communities across WesternColoradoAlliance.org Gabriel Otero, Fruita Director Emeritus
Western Colorado that are healthy, info@WesternColoradoAlliance.org Rodger Steen, Steamboat Springs Peggy Rawlins, Grand Junction
just and self-reliant.
Spring 2021 Western Colorado Alliance The Clarion 3
“Wait and see!” — The head-spinning 2021 legislature
Continued from page 1 year over year. For every life lost
to suicide, there are 25 people
through the legislature and has who survive a suicide attempt.
already passed the Senate and its Responders, providers, students,
first House committee. In fact, and other suicide survivors suffer
by the time you read this, it may elevated risk themselves. This
have passed the House entirely bill’s sponsors include three West
and be headed to the Gover- Slope legislators (Senators Don
nor’s desk. We’ll send an email Coram and Kerry Donovan,
update as soon as it has, but pull and Representative Janice
out your phonebooks folks, look Rich) and challenges the state
up your favorite rancher, and to rethink suicide prevention to
get ready to buy some meat. include suicide intervention and
postvention. But what does this
Also moving smoothly through mean? Did you know suicidal
the legislature is House Bill thinking can be a direct result
21-1131. This bill is being of common medical conditions,
championed by a coalition of
clean energy partners from
and only 46% of suicides are
mental health-related? This bill
Meet our new legislative
around the state, with our very
own clean energy staff and
would improve conditions for
attempt survivors, their families, intern, Daniel Haas!
committee members at the loss survivors, and medical Daniel has joined us as our first Science after graduating. In
forefront of the work. Among professionals. It would ensure legislative intern and has already the long term, Daniel wants to
the bill sponsors is the West that all those affected are brought proven to be a huge boon to become a professor of political
Slope’s very own Rep. Marc into the conversation when our legislative work this year! science, as well as continue
Catlin. Over 70% of Colorado’s studying our historic self-harm to be involved in whatever
geography is powered by Rural related deaths, including working Daniel is a local Colorado local community he lives in.
Electric Co-ops (or RECs), to understand what needs to Mesa University student
including much of Western be done differently to protect who was born and raised in He became very active over the
Colorado. Rural electric co-ops lives in our communities. Grand Junction, Colorado. summer in local organizing
are member-owned coopera- efforts, including Right And
tives, making you the boss of These three bills are really Throughout his college career Wrong and Solidarity Not
your electricity — supposedly. just the tip of the iceberg for he has taken several leadership Charity, where he realized a
bills introduced this session, and involvement roles, passion for pursuing social,
In Colorado, most RECs and some of the state’s biggest including being the current Vice economic, and environmental
purchase their electricity from bills, including a statewide President of the Associated justice movements. He is also
the power supplier Tri-State affordable health care option, Student Government, Special a high school football coach
under long-term contracts. are yet to come. Bills addressing Projects Coordinator of within the local community.
Over the years, many of our farmworker’s labor rights, the Sustainability Council,
co-ops have leveled criticism universal representation for our as well as a peer mentor When not in class or involved,
of some of Tri-State’s practices immigrant community, sustain- within the Office of Student Daniel enjoys spending time
and those co-ops have recently ability grant programs, and the Success and Engagement. working out, reading, or finding
begun to win major reforms. creation of an outdoor equity other learning opportunities.
fund for students without access, He is majoring in Political
This bill tackles a number of have our heads spinning again, Science, with minors in History Please join us in welcoming
Tri-State and REC reform but in a really good way. and Classical Studies, and plans Daniel to our Alliance’s
priorities, including ending on pursuing a PhD in Political legislative efforts!
Tri-State’s practice of requiring To help us keep track of all of
board members to vote exclu- these bills, we’ve even hired
sively in Tri-State’s best interests our first legislative intern, overview of what’s going on at to your representative, perhaps
instead of the best interests Daniel Haas, who’s really the Capitol in real time. We’ll submitting written testimony,
of their own communities. helped us kick this session into give an update on what bills are sending in a Letter to the Editor,
Among other things, this bill gear. [See sidebar, this page.] coming up in Committee, and or even, on occasion, like signing
would enable co-ops to conduct hand you tips, tricks, and talking up to provide video testimony.
electronic voting for board of We Are The Change points to connect with legis- We’ll explain the importance of
director elections, and require the lators so we can help good bills each of these tactics, why we’re
reporting of key co-op financial This year, we won’t be heading get passed. Just like many of utilizing them, and show you how
information to the public. to Denver for our annual our Lobby Trip attendees from to participate. You won’t need to be
This bill has passed the House People’s Lobby Trip, but we still years past, this might be your the expert — you can be the story-
and is headed to the Senate, plan to smash our record and first time engaging with legis- teller. Legislators need to hear
with lots of opportunities for bring the Capitol to Western lators and we’re making it easy. personal stories from real West
members to show their support. Colorado and more folks than Slope people! I hope you’ll join
ever. This year, we’re hosting During the webinar, whether us on this never before embarked
Our final priority bill, House a bi-weekly webinar series, you’re making dinner or sitting on mission to do just that.
Bill 21-1119, was drafted We Are the Change: Your on the couch, we don’t mind
with input and support from Guide to Engaging with the how you tune in. What matters The pandemic continues, but
legislative committee members, Colorado State Legislature. is what you do after. We’ll send during this legislative session,
former West Slope Youth Vote This is a chance for us, for you, you away with a choice of we can still come together.
interns, and several other West to make a real impact at the actions you can take that will
Slope community members. Capitol. Here’s how it works: influence legislation in our state For more information, please
It’s a devastating truth that to help create healthy, just, and email me at jeriel@western-
Western Colorado communities Every other week on Thursdays self-reliant communities for all coloradoalliance.org or join
experience higher-than-average at 5:15, for just 45 minutes, staff of us in western Colorado. It a webinar and I’ll see you on
suicide attempts and deaths and members present a brief might look like sending an email the other side of the screen!
4 Western Colorado Alliance The Clarion Spring 2021
Jeff Bridges (D, SD26) Chris Hansen (D, SD31) Robert Rodriguez (D, SD32)
303-866-4846 303-866-4861 303-866-4852
jeff.bridges.senate@state.co.us chris.hansen.senate@state.co.us robert.rodriguez.senate@state.co.us
Janet Buckner (D, SD28) Dennis Hisey (R, SD2) Ray Scott (R, SD7)
303-866-3432 303-866-4877 303-866-3077
janet.buckner.senate@state.co.us dennis.hisey.senate@state.co.us ray.scott.senate@state.co.us
James Coleman (D, SD33) Chris Holbert (R, SD30) Cleave Simpson (R, SD35)
303-866-2909 303-866-4881 303-866-4875
james.coleman.senate@state.co.us chris.holbert.senate@state.co.us cleave.simpson.senate@state.co.us
John Cooke (R, SD13) Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D, SD17) Jim Smallwood (R, SD4)
303-866-4451 303-866-2920 303-866-4869
john.cooke.senate@state.co.us sonya.jaquez.lewis.senate@state.co.us senatorsmallwood@gmail.com
Don Coram (R, SD6) Barbara Kirkmeyer (R, SD23) Jerry Sonnenberg (R, SD1)
303-866-4884 303-866-4876 303-866-6360
don.coram.senate@state.co.us barbara.kirkmeyer.senate@state.co.us senatorsonnenberg@gmail.com WESTERN COLORADO
Jessie Danielson (D, SD20) Chris Kolker (D, SD27) Tammy Story (D, SD16) SENATE DISTRICTS
303-866-4856 303-866-4883 303-866-4873
jessie.danielson.senate@state.co.us chris.kolker.senate@state.co.us tammy.story.senate@state.co.us
Kerry Donovan (D, SD5) Pete Lee (D, SD11) Faith Winter (D, SD24)
303-866-4871 303-866-6364 303-866-4863
kerry.donovan.senate@state.co.us pete.lee.senate@state.co.us faith.winter.senate@state.co.us
Stephen Fenberg (D, SD18) Larry Liston (R, SD10) Rob Woodward (R, SD15)
303-866-4872 303-866-2937 303-866-4853
stephen.fenberg.senate@state.co.us larry.liston.senate@state.co.us rob.woodward.senate@state.co.us
Rhonda Fields (D, SD29) Paul Lundeen (R, SD9) Rachel Zenzinger (D, SD19)
303-866-4879 303-866-4835 303-866-4840
rhonda.fields.senate@state.co.us paul.lundeen.senate@state.co.us senatorrachelz@gmail.com
Leroy Garcia (D, SD3) Dominick Moreno (D, SD21)
303-866-4878 303-866-4857 LEGEND
leroy.garcia.senate@state.co.us dominick.moreno.senate@state.co.us
Bob Gardner (R, SD12) Brittany Pettersen (D, SD22) = WESTERN COLO.
LAWMAKER
303-866-4880 303-866-4859
PRESIDENT OF
bob.gardner.senate@state.co.us brittany.pettersen.senate@state.co.us = THE SENATE/
SPEAKER OF
SD5 - KERRY DONOVAN (D)
Joann Ginal (D, SD14) Kevin Priola (R, SD25) THE HOUSE
SD6 - DON CORAM (R)
303-866-4841 303-866-4855
= MAJORITY
joannginal52@gmail.com kpriola@gmail.com LEADER SD7 - RAY SCOTT (R)
Julie Gonzales (D, SD34) Bob Rankin (R, SD8) SD8 - BOB RANKIN (R)
303-866-4862 303-866-5292 = MINORITY
LEADER
julie.gonzales.senate@state.co.us bob.rankin.senate@state.co.us
SD35 - CLEAVE SIMPSON (R)
AGRICULTURE & NATURAL FINANCE
RESOURCES CHAIR: Pettersen
CHAIR: Donovan VICE-CHAIR: Bridges PRES. JOE BIDEN (D) U.S. SEN. MICHAEL BENNET (D)
VICE-CHAIR: Danielson OTHER MEMBERS: Hisey, Lee, The White House 261 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
OTHER MEMBERS: Coram, Lundeen, Scott, Winter 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20510
Fields, Sonnenberg Washington, DC 20500 Phone: (202) 224-5852
Switchboard: (202) 456-1414 Fax: (202) 228-5097
HEALTH & HUMAN
Comments: (202) 456-1111 bennet.senate.gov
APPROPRIATIONS SERVICES
www.whitehouse.gov
CHAIR: Hansen CHAIR: Fields 225 North 5th St., Suite 511
VICE-CHAIR: Moreno VICE-CHAIR: Ginal Grand Junction, CO 81501
OTHER MEMBERS: Coleman, OTHER MEMBERS: Buckner, U.S. SEN. JOHN HICKENLOOPER (D) Phone: (970) 241-6631
Gardner, Gonzales, Rankin, Jaquez Lewis, Kirkmeyer, 354 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
Sonnenberg Simpson, Smallwood Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5941
BUSINESS, LABOR STATE, MILITARY & VETERAN Fax: (202) 224-6524
& TECHNOLOGY JUDICIARY
AFFAIRS hickenlooper.senate.gov
CHAIR: Rodriguez CHAIR: Lee
CHAIR: Gonzales
VICE-CHAIR: Gonzales 400 Rood Avenue, Suite 220
VICE-CHAIR: Danielson VICE-CHAIR: Coleman U.S. REP. LAUREN BOEBERT (R)
OTHER MEMBERS: Cooke, Grand Junction CO 81501
OTHER MEMBERS: Coleman, OTHER MEMBERS: Jaquez Longworth House Office Bldg., 1609
Gardner, Rodriguez Phone: (970) 245-9553
Kolker, Liston, Priola, Woodward Lewis, Simpson, Sonnenberg Washington, DC 20515-0603
GOV. JARED POLIS (D) Phone: (202) 225-4761
EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY 136 State Capitol Fax: (202) 226-9669
CHAIR: Zenzinger LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIR: Winter Denver, CO 80203-1792 boebert.house.gov
VICE-CHAIR: Story CHAIR: Ginal VICE-CHAIR: Pettersen colorado.gov/governor
VICE-CHAIR: Story 743 Horizon Court
OTHER MEMBERS: Bridges, OTHER MEMBERS: Coram, (303) 866-2471 Front Desk
Buckner, Kirkmeyer, Lundeen, OTHER MEMBERS: Kirkmeyer, Donovan, Hisey, Scott, Grand Junction, CO 81506
(303) 866-2885 Constituent
Priola Kolker, Liston Zenzinger Services Phone: (970) 208-0460
Spring 2021 Western Colorado Alliance The Clarion 5
Judy Amabile (D, D13) Tony Exum (D, D17) David Ortiz (D, D38)
303-866-2578 303-866-3069 303-866-2953
judy.amabile.house@state.co.us tony.exum.house@state.co.us david.ortiz.house@state.co.us
Jeni James Arndt (D, D53) Meg Froelich (D, D3) Rod Pelton (R, D65)
303-866-2917 303-866-2921 303-866-3706
jeni.arndt.house@state.co.us meg.froelich.house@state.co.us rod.pelton.house@state.co.us
Jennifer Bacon (D, D7) Alec Garnett (D, D2) Andres Pico (R, D16)
303-866-2909 303-866-2911 303-866-2937
jennifer.bacon.house@state.co.us alec.garnett.house@state.co.us andres.pico.house@state.co.us
Mark Baisley (R, D39) Tim Geitner (R, D19) Kim Ransom (R, D44)
303-866-2935 303-866-2924 303-866-2933
mark.baisley.house@state.co.us tim.geitner.house@state.co.us kim.ransom.house@state.co.us
Adrienne Benavidez (D, D32) Serena Gonzales-Guttierez (D, D4) Janice Rich (R, D55)
303-866-2964 303-866-2954 303-866-3068
adrienne.benavidez.house@state.co.us serena.gonzales-gutierrez.house@state.co.us janice.rich.house@state.co.us
Tracy Bernett (D, D12) Matt Gray (D, D33) Naquetta Ricks (D, D40)
303-866-2920 303-866-4667 303-866-2944
WESTERN COLORADO tracy.bernett.house@state.co.us
Shannon Bird (D, D35)
matt@matthewgray.us
Ron Hanks (R, D60)
naquetta.ricks.house@state.co.us
Dylan Roberts (D, D26)
HOUSE DISTRICTS 303-866-2843
shannon.bird.house@state.co.us
303-866-2747
ron.hanks.house@state.co.us
303-866-2923
dylan.roberts.house@state.co.us
Rod Bockenfeld (R, D56) Leslie Herod (D, D8) Shane Sandridge (R, D14)
303-866-2912 303-866-2959 303-866-2965
rod.bockenfeld.house@state.co.us jeff.bridges@senate@state.co.us shane.sandridge.house@state.co.us
Mary Bradfield (R, D21) Richard Holtorf (R, D69) Emily Sirota (D, D9)
303-866-2946 303-866-2398 303-866-2910
mary.bradfield.house@state.co.us richard.holtorf.house@state.co.us emily.sirota.house@state.co.us
Yadira Caraveo (D, D31) Edie Hooton (D, D10) Marc Snyder (D, D18)
303-866-2918 303-866-2915 303-866-2932
yadira.caraveo.house@state.co.us edie.hooton.house@state.co.us marc.snyder.house@state.co.us
Terri Carver (R, D20) Dominique Jackson (D, D42) Matt Soper (R, D54)
303-866-2191 303-866-3911 303-866-2583
terri.carver.house@state.co.us dominique.jackson.house@state.co.us matthew.soper.house@state.co.us
Marc Catlin (R, D58) Iman Jodeh (D, D41) Tom Sullivan (D, D37)
303-866-2955 303-866-2919 303-866-5510
marc.catlin.house@state.co.us iman.jodeh.house@state.co.us tom.sullivan.house@state.co.us
Lisa Cutter (D, D25) Chris Kennedy (D, D23) Kerry Tipper (D, D28)
303-866-2582 303-866-2951 303-866-2939
lisa.cutter.house@state.co.us chris.kennedy.house@state.co.us kerry.tipper.house@state.co.us
D13 Lindsey Daugherty (D, D29) Cathy Kipp (D, D52) Brianna Titone (D, D27)
JUDY AMABILE (D) D58
MARC CATLIN (R) 303-866-2950 303-866-4569 303-866-2962
D26
DYLAN ROBERTS (D) lindsey.daugherty.house@state.co.us cathy.kipp.house@state.co.us brianna.titone.house@state.co.us
D59
D54 BARBARA MCLACHLAN (D) Monica Duran (D, D24) Colin Larson (R, D22) Alex Valdez (D, D5)
MATT SOPER (R) D61 303-866-5522 303-866-2927 303-866-2925
D55 JULIE MCCLUSKIE (D) monica.duran.house@state.co.us colin.larson.house@state.co.us alex.valdez.house@state.co.us
JANICE RICH (R) D62 Daneya Esgar (D, D46) Susan Lontine (D, D1) Donald Valdez (D, D62)
D57 DONALD VALDEZ (D)
303-866-2968 303-866-2966 303-866-2916
PERRY WILL (R)
daneya.esgar.house@state.co.us susan.lontine.house@state.co.us donald.valdez.house@state.co.us
Stephanie Luck (R, D47) Tonya Van Beber (R, D48)
APPROPRIATIONS PUBLIC & BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH & HUMAN 303-866-2905 303-866-2943
CHAIR: Herod; VICE-CHAIR: SERVICES
McCluskie; OTHER stephanie.luck.house@state.co.us tonya.van.beber.house@state.co.us
MEMBERS: Baisley, CHAIR: Michaelson Jenet;
Bradfield, Daugherty, Duran, VICE-CHAIR: Sirota; OTHER Mike Lynch (R, D49) Kevin Van Winkle (R, D43)
Jodeh, Kipp, Ransom, Rich, MEMBERS: Bradfield, Cutter, 303-866-2907 303-866-2936
Tipper Gonzales-Gutierrez, Holtorf,
Jodeh, Larson, Ortiz, Pelton, mike.lynch.house@state.co.us kevin.vanwinkle.house@state.co.us
BUSINESS AFFAIRS & Ricks, Woog, Young
LABOR
Julie McCluskie (D, D61) Mike Weissman (D, D36)
CHAIR: Roberts; VICE- 303-866-2952 303-866-2942
CHAIR: Sullivan; OTHER RURAL AFFAIRS & julie.mccluskie.house@state.co.us mike.weissman.house@state.co.us
MEMBERS: Amabile, Bird, AGRICULTURE
Carver, Duran, Lynch, Mullica, CHAIR: Arndt; VICE-CHAIR: Karen McCormick (D, D11) Perry Will (R, D57)
Neville, Ricks, Sandridge, McCormick; OTHER
Snyder, Van Winkle 303-866-2780 303-866-2949
MEMBERS: Catlin, Cutter,
Holtorf, Lontine, McLachlan, karen.mccormick.house@state.co.us perry.will.house@state.co.us
EDUCATION Pelton, Roberts, D. Valdez,
Will Hugh McKean (R, D51) Dave Williams (R, D15)
CHAIR: McLachlan; VICE-
CHAIR: Young; OTHER 303-866-2947 303-866-5525
MEMBERS: Baisley, Caraveo, hugh.mckean.house@state.co.us dave.williams.house@state.co.us
Exum, Geitner, Kipp, Larson, STATE, VETERAN &
Michaelson Jenet HEALTH & INSURANCE MILITARY AFFAIRS Barbara McLachlan (D, D59) Steven Woodrow (D, D6)
CHAIR: Lontine; VICE- CHAIR: Kennedy; VICE- 303-866-2914 303-866-2967
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT CHAIR: Woodrow; OTHER
CHAIR: Caraveo; OTHER
CHAIR: A. Valdez; VICE- MEMBERS: Baisley, Hanks, MEMBERS: Amabile, Bacon, barbara.mclachlan.house@state.co.us steven.woodrow.house@state.co.us
CHAIR: Hooton; OTHER Jackson, Kennedy, Bernett, Bockenfeld, Duran,
MEMBERS: Bernett, Froelich, Geitner, Hanks, A. Valdez, Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D, D30) Dan Woog (R, D63)
McCormick, Mullica, Ortiz,
Jackson, Pico, Sirota, Soper, Soper, Titone, Van Beber, Williams 303-866-2945 303-866-2906
Titone, Van Beber, Weissman, Williams
Will, Woog dafna.michaelson.jenet.house@state.co.us dan.woog.house@state.co.us
TRANSPORTATION & LOCAL Kyle Mullica (D, D34) Mary Young (D, D50)
FINANCE JUDICIARY GOVERNMENT
303-866-2931 303-866-2929
CHAIR: Bird; VICE-CHAIR: CHAIR: Weissman; VICE- CHAIR: Exum; VICE-CHAIR:
Snyder; OTHER MEMBERS: CHAIR: Tipper; OTHER Gray; OTHER kyle.mullica.house@state.co.us mary.young.house@state.co.us
Benavidez, Bradfield, MEMBERS: Bacon, MEMBERS: Arndt, Catlin,
Daugherty, Gonzales- Benavidez, Bockenfeld, Froelich, Hooton, Pico, Rich, Patrick Neville (R, D45) Note: Contact information is from
Gutierrez, Gray, Kipp, Luck, Carver, Daugherty, Luck, Sullivan, D. Valdez, Van 303-866-5523 www.leg.state.co.us. The informa-
Rich, Sandridge Lynch, Roberts, Woodrow Winkle tion is accurate as of Feb. 2021.
patrick.neville.house@state.co.us
6 Western Colorado Alliance The Clarion Spring 2021
A year of major oil & gas victories!
by Brian Williams
Community Organizer
As the spring of 2021 draws
near, our Alliance finally has the
opportunity to catch its breath
after an intense year of engaging
with state regulators to reform
rules concerning the production
of oil and gas in a manner that
is protective of public health,
safety, welfare, the environment,
and biological resources.
Such was the mandate set forth
by the Colorado State
Legislature in Senate Bill 19-181,
which changed the mission of
the Colorado Oil and Gas
Conservation Commission
(COGCC). The result of this
effort, which has been decades in
the making, has been
unmitigated success for our
Alliance, including a new 2,000
foot setback requirement for
new wells from homes and
schools, ending the practice of
venting and flaring in Colorado,
compulsory analysis of
alternative locations and
cumulative impacts, and thinks about and engages with production is completed, and (such as what we experienced
automatic standing to provide the production of oil and gas the well is plugged. However, at the onset of COVID) have
input on permitting decisions on federal lands, including a the bonds that operators are the potential to cause a waves
for residents living near temporary pause on federal required to post are a fraction of of bankruptcies, leaving well
proposed drilling locations. leasing. Predictably, the move the cost to properly plug a well orphaned and unplugged. If left
has drawn the ire of the oil and and restore the land on which it unchecked, these wells will leak
Though it is important to gas industry and its allies, who methane into the atmosphere,
recognize and celebrate these contend that such action will and the aging infrastructure
achievements, our work is far result in job losses, increase The result of this effort, could corrode, resulting in
from over. It isn’t enough that America’s energy dependence which has been decades the pollution of groundwater
oil and gas is extracted in a safer of foreign powers, and create and surrounding land.
manner—if it is to occur, it a vacuum in supply that will in the making, has been
must be done in such a way that drive production to take place unmitigated success for The need to reform financial
ensures that taxpayers are fairly
compensated for parting with
outside of the United States
and its regulatory oversight.
our Alliance, including a assurances for the oil and gas
industry goes beyond the federal
the resource, and that they aren’t new 2,000 foot setback level. Here in Colorado, the
stuck with the bill for clean up Upon closer inspection, requirement for new COGCC is set to examine its
once the operation is over. Under however, there is little cause for own bonding rules in the Spring.
the Bureau of Land concern; operators throughout wells from homes and Like the BLM, Colorado faces a
Management’s (BLM) current the nation have stockpiled schools, ending the staggering shortage of funds to
leasing rules, operators are millions of acres of leases, practice of venting and plug and reclaim wells; despite
paying a mere $1.50 per acre on production on federal lands the average well costing
over 10.4 million acres of federal accounts for only 10% of the flaring in Colorado, approximately $82,500 to
land that, despite being leased for nation’s oil and gas supply, compulsory analysis of properly remediate, the state
production, is presently sitting
idle, and cannot be used for other
and the Biden administra-
tion’s decision to rejoin the
alternative locations currently allows operators to post
$100,000 to bond an unlimited
beneficial uses such as conser- Paris Agreement once again and cumulative impacts, number of wells—a policy that has
vation and recreation as long positions America to become and automatic standing resulted in the average cost to plug
as the lease remains in effect. a world leader on addressing and abandon an orphaned well,
In Colorado, of the over 2.4 the climate crisis — a role to provide input on remediate impacts, and reclaim
million acres of federal land that that it can only fulfill if our permitting decisions the well site being 14 times greater
has been leased, just 1.8 million nation leads by example. for residents living than the amount of financial
acres are considered to have assurance held by the state. As
moderate or high potential for The decision to pause federal near proposed drilling our state and federal government
production, and some 1.4 million leasing also presents an locations. grapple with these challenges, our
acres is sitting idle in the hands opportunity to examine another Alliance will continue to push for
of speculators and operators. financial problem posed: stronger rules on both financial
financial assurances. When an was drilled. The problem, as the assurances and federal leasing,
In the short time that he’s held operator secures a permit to residents of Western Colorado and demanding that any devel-
office, President Biden has drill on federal lands, they are know all too well, the oil and gas opment occurs responsibly,
kicked off a sweeping reform of required to post a bond with the industry is inherently volatile; and that taxpayers are fairly
the way the federal government BLM. These bonds are held until shocks to the energy market compensated for the privilege.
Spring 2021 Western Colorado Alliance The Clarion 7
Lightning-fast progress in clean energy
by Joel Dyar cleaner, cheaper future
Community Organizer for rural ratepayers.
There’s no understating the With these many seeds already
lightning-fast progress that producing so healthy a harvest,
clean energy policy, jobs, and we might think that Colorado
opportunity have made in would take a step back this
Colorado these past three years. year and content itself with
the gains. That’s not how
Though the pandemic has 2021 is shaping up. Here are
shaken the industry, Colorado the big plays in the Colorado co-ops need to work together elections for their co-ops in late
entered 2020 as the nation’s clean energy world in 2021. to plan and make their case. spring and early summer — in
sixth largest employer of virtually every case by mail ballot.
clean tech workers. Clean Throughout the year, Tri-State The legislature has tasked state This is a great chance to dialogue
tech industries now employ will continue its legislature- agencies with implementing the with candidates and help your
nearly 30,000 more people mandated Electric Resource nitty-gritty of Colorado’s transition community sort out the visionary
than the state’s legacy Plan with the Colorado Public to new clean technologies and from the merely comfortable.
fossil fuel industries. Utilities Commission. There, a low-carbon economy. Many
it will tackle major decisions advocates are unhappy with At the federal level, the new
At the policy level, state about coal transition, new renew- the planning results from these administration and congress have
lawmakers and agencies have ables, the social costs of climate agencies under the Governor’s come to power with an
crafted a policy ecosystem pollution, and future investment watch so far. Expect new 2021 unprecedented populist vision for
for the growth of these new — all impacting ratepayer legislation that seeks to accelerate new cleantech and infrastructure
industries that’s among the pocketbooks across the Colorado bold specific action and grassroots jobs that can help revitalize
best anywhere in the country rural electric cooperatives that pushes to make priorities heard opportunity in rural
— thanks to the long hard it supplies. Ratepayers will need at state agency rulemakings. communities. Whether these
work of everyone reading this to make their voices and prior- goals become our future
article. Recent state ities heard during forthcoming New state legislation is also in is up to you and me.
legislation has planted the public comment opportunities. the works to tackle big technical
seeds of future growth by questions like Pay As You Save There’s an often-circulated
creating a statewide climate Tri-State has drafted proposals that financing for utility customer aphorism that, even if questionable
action plan, investing in foresee hundreds of megawatts rooftop solar and building in its attribution to some ancient
rural clean tech jobs projects — real big power — of new efficiency, commercial building Chinese source, seems to fit this
through acronyms like renewables being installed energy efficiency standards, socio- moment: “May you live in
DOLA and REDI and the on the Western Slope in the economic and racial equity in interesting times.” We’re fortunate
new state Office of Just coming decade. The question access to renewable energy and cost- to be here at the cusp of a
Transition, preparing for the of where these new invest- saving efficiency services, and more. civilizational transition that many
massive generational transition ments and jobs will be located of you have sought for many
to vehicle and building is an existential one for many Across the Western Slope, rural long years. I hope you’ll join
electrification, and forcing struggling communities. Local electric co-op ratepayers will get us in rising to this moment and
Tri-State to map out a and regional elected officials and to vote on Boards of Directors this work in the year to come.
An important step for local ranchers
by Nick Allan Animals Shares bill has passed hamstringing possibilities of powerful interests, nothing is easy.
Community Organizer the Senate. Animals Shares homegrown prosperity. While large corporations have
creates more access between the money, we have the people.
On the Western Slope and consumers and ranchers, creating There is a way to eat healthy We have spent the last several
across Colorado, ranchers are a rallying point for ranchers to food, without restricting months speaking with producers
waiting upwards of two years to flex their organized power, and to practices. If a consumer wants across the Western Slope. After
get their cattle processed. The advance Our Alliance’s to purchase beef from their local countless conversations, we
bottleneck created by COVID-19 mission of delivering home rancher, they have the option have a team that is ready to
continues to damage the already grown prosperity. of purchasing a whole, half, push forward this legislation.
economically drained community or quarter cow. These cows Our mission now is to support
ranchers. Wait times like this Sajun, a rancher here on the are processed under “custom organizing their collective
put many businesses in danger Western Slope, is waiting a exempt” not USDA, increasing power. We are supportive of
of closing. Local food and year to get his current stock the opportunity for processing. SB21-079 and will work for it’s
agriculture is a major driving processed. Currently, wait times These quantities are both passage. Our team will provide
factor on the Western Slope and are connected to requiring a expensive and hard to store. testimony on the importance
key to homegrown prosperity. USDA inspector on-site. This is Animal Shares allows a person of this bill and the positive
This crisis has created oppor- where the real divide comes into to buy a share, like stock, of change to our local ranchers and
tunity. Much like the Cottage play. The large meat processing an animal which then classifies processors. Their work will be
Foods Act, which Western factories, Tyson, Smithfield, JBS, them as an owner. As an owner, vital to Animal Shares passage.
Colorado Alliance championed and Cargill, control 84% of the once a cow is processed, you
in 2015, our sights are set on market. Each of these companies can select the cuts of meat you As our Alliance works to bring
opening the market for small, always has a USDA inspector desire. This simple rule change power back into the hands of
independent producers to thrive. on-site, with a literal office in will grant access to fresh food those most impacted. Over
Last year, the Wyoming legis- their processing facilities. Our to a wider range of families and generations corporations have
lature passed the Animal Shares local processors cannot afford individuals and provide better become more dominant in
Amendment. Our members this practice. Large corporations incentives to our ranchers. agriculture. Animal Shares is a
want to pass one here. As of this are using this USDA rule to small step and important step
writing, SB21-078 Colorado’s push down the local processors, When organizing against in taking back that power.
8 Western Colorado Alliance The Clarion Spring 2021
A huge win for UVA & the grassroots organizing cycle!
by Carol Keeney
Community Organizer and November,
over 100 Montrose
In September of 2018, the residents were
Uncompahgre Valley Alliance engaged in these
membership approved a plan conversations.
to systematically work through
the organizing cycle in order The challenge faced
to identify an actionable issue by young families
with enough energy behind it in accessing
to follow it through to a victory. affordable childcare
There were some doubts: Don’t was a theme heard
we need an issue first in order to over and over.
attract and pull people together? Equally important,
there were ten
The UVA leadership began a people who wanted
relational meeting campaign. to get together
Over a year’s time, over 100 and go to work.
of these meetings took place.
These one-on-one conversations In January 2020,
focused more on listening than the Childcare
talking, wanting to understand Caucus was formed
what is important to the other and held seven
person and why. What are the research actions, the third phase with Bright Futures for Early with Montrose County Commis-
stories that shaped their interest? of the organizing cycle. Research Childhood and Families, UVA sioner Sue Hansen and then
actions are strategic meetings developed a plan to approach presented their proposal at a
The spring of 2019 was with agency leaders, city/county Montrose County and the city county work session. Montrose
spent rewriting bylaws and staff, someone with a specific of Montrose to fund a childcare County committed $15,000
identifying officers, both of area of expertise in order to learn needs assessment to understand toward the childcare needs
which were ratified by the about an issue. Through these more concretely about parent’s assessment. The Childcare
UVA membership in May. meetings, the Childcare Caucus and provider’s preferences and Caucus met with Montrose
learned of the challenges faced challenges as well as the impact Mayor Barbara Bynum and
In September, UVA launched by home childcare providers as of the childcare industry is presented their proposal at a city
an issue identification conver- they run a small business; about having on the local economy. work session. On February 2,
sation campaign, the next phase the Colorado Child Care the Montrose City Council voted
of the organizing cycle. Ten Assistance Program, and Sadly, because of the pandemic, unanimously to invest $18,950 in
people were trained to lead these how another county had used the fourth phase, the assembly the childcare needs assessment,
conversations specifically and an economic impact study was short-changed. UVA completing the necessary
intentionally crafted to listen to inform the changes in had to rely on email. funds to contract the study.
to the experiences of Montrose their community that could
residents in order to understand support families, providers In November 2020, the Childcare On February 2, UVA celebrated
their concerns and also, whether and their local economy. Caucus entered into public its WIN! The slow, respectful
they were willing to become a action. Bright Futures was work of the organizing
part of a team to work on those These research actions clarified holding $5,000 for such an cycle has paid off for UVA
concerns. Between September an actionable issue. Partnering assessment. The Caucus met and for all of Montrose.
When Mesa County’s Alliance fought for the GJ riverfront
by Arn McConnell monies to secure property on President Penny Heuscher City Council granted a request
Communications the riverfront that was for sale, joined with members of Western by a new owner to affirm
Coordinator an industrial company that had Colorado Alliance of Mesa the zoning for mixed use.
the available funding bought County, including Janet Magoon,
Western Colorado Alliance it. The property was nearly all a school teacher and resident Many, many people contributed to
of Mesa County spent over a surrounded by parkland. Eagle of Orchard Mesa with a clear this effort, but Heuscher, Magoon,
decade working to ensure Grand Rim Park is across the river to the view from her home of the Las Harry Griff, Bennett Boeschen-
Junction’s Colorado Riverfront south, with Las Colonias Park Colonias site. Augmented by stein, and Candi Clark displayed
be quiet, clean, and unpolluted. and other park land adjacent. resources provided by Western special fortitude and perseverance
Organization of Resource to secure sensible land use policies
When entities could not provide Former Alliance Board Vice Councils, they built a formi- and zoning for the Colorado
dable community group Riverfront in Grand Junction.
aimed at keeping industrial Many Alliance members
zoning off the riverfront. (including Enno Heuscher and
Claudette Konola) collected
Their road was uphill and signatures enthusiastically, and
winding and included many the effort was buoyed by help
challenges — but ultimately, and good wishes from people
they were able to obtain mixed outside of Grand Junction.
use zoning (retail and multi
family) which ensured a more The Riverfront Commission
desirable way to develop this also deserves credit for their
wonderful riverfront property. vision of a riverfront trail and
In 2019, the Grand Junction greenway along our rivers.
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