Western Colorado on Track for Clean Air Monitors

A key Colorado budget provision has survived a bout of constitutional squabbling, meaning western Colorado is on track to get the smog monitors it needs to protect communities from rising air pollution.

The provision was a footnote to the budget bill (footnote 108a to be precise) and stated:

It is the intent of the General Assembly that at least $380,000 of this appropriation be used for the collection and evaluation of air quality data on the Western Slope of Colorado.

Earlier in the week, Governor Ritter vetoed this footnote. The Legislature on Friday then overturned Governor Ritter's veto, keeping footnote 108a in place.

But in all fairness to Governor Ritter, he didn't veto this footnote because he disagreed with the need to install air monitors. The footnote was simply the latest victim of constitutional squabbling between the Governor and lawmakers. As the Governor stated, even in light of his veto, he still planned to direct the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to comply with footnote 108a.

In any event, the important news is that the efforts of local governments, Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action, and our clean air partners have paid off. And of course, a big thanks goes out to Representative Bernie Buescher, whose leadership really made this happen.

Western Colorado is now on track to get the air monitors it needs and deserves.