Colorado lawmakers push EPA to review Utah oil facility pollution permits
Two Colorado legislators are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to scrutinize pollution permits for Utah oil transport facilities, fearing expansions could harm residents and wildlife across state lines.
Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.
In short:
- Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Joe Neguse have asked the EPA to examine pollution permits for three Utah oil transport facilities.
- The lawmakers expressed concern about potential oil spills impacting the Colorado River, a critical water source for 40 million people and 30 tribal nations.
- They also questioned the effectiveness and enforcement of emission control measures in the permit applications.
Key quote:
“A train derailment that spills oil in the Colorado River’s headwaters would be disastrous to our state’s water supplies, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation assets.”
— Sen. Michael Bennet (D) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D)
Why this matters:
The expansion of these facilities could significantly increase the risk of environmental damage from oil spills, threatening water resources and ecosystems across multiple states. Residents in both states have expressed fears about the potential for increased pollution, highlighting the need for a regional approach to environmental management.
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