More on Clean Air Appointments

Almost two weeks ago, Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action reported on former Colorado Governor Bill Owens' underhanded efforts to play politics with clean air by "reappointing" three members of the Air Quality Control Commission to new, three-year terms.

The Rocky Mountain News reported on the reappointments last week, noting that Owens made the reappointments in the waning days of his administration, and before the Commissioners' terms had even ended.

This week, the epic continues. Doing some more digging, the Pueblo Chieftain reports that former Governor Owens actually made many last minute appointments, and that the "the Colorado Senate won't confirm them." As the Chieftain reports:

"I think we have an obligation to honor Bill Ritter's appointments since his swearing in," said Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Golden. "Some of the appointments that Bill Owens made ranged far beyond his term. Appointments are the prerogative of the sitting governor, and we're going to honor that."

From the standpoint of the Air Quality Control Commission, this is good news. Todd Hartman reported in the Rocky Mountain News that, while the Commission is low key, they make some monumental decisions. Like how to regulate mercury from coal burning power plants, a decision that involves millions of dollars in investments and very serious health risks. The Commission needs people with a background in health, in law, and, most importantly, in clean air.

And you know what? From what Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action has heard, many well qualified candidates have thrown their hat in seeking appointments to the Air Quality Control Commission. Governor Ritter can't possibly pass on the chance to appoint new members to this important Commission.

The Air Quality Control Commission could use a better balance of interests. Hopefully, for our clean air, Governor Ritter will help establish the balance that Coloradoans deserve.