Appeals Court Rejects Colorado Free Pass for Fracking Air Pollution
Appeals Court Rejects Colorado Free Pass for Fracking Air Pollution Center for Biological Diversity
sdgtalks
Colorado’s Rule Allowing Unlimited Air Pollution from Drilling and Fracking Without a Permit Ruled Illegal
DENVER— A federal appeals court ruled today that Colorado’s rule allowing unlimited amounts of air pollution from drilling and hydraulic fracturing for oil and methane gas without a permit is illegal.
“Colorado can’t keep permitting more oil and gas wells to spew pollution and pretend that it’s working to fix our severe smog problem,” said Robert Ukeiley, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This decision will force the EPA and Colorado’s Air Pollution Control Division to crack down on this dangerous pollution from dirty fossil fuels.”
Background
Today’s decision from the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals came in response to a July 2022 Center lawsuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of the Colorado rule that failed to address air pollution from hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking.
The Clean Air Act authorizes states to create rules about permitting sources of air pollution but requires the EPA to review the rules to ensure they adequately limit harmful emissions.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Ozone pollution is linked to human health problems like asthma attacks and can cause premature death. Those most at risk include older adults, children, people with asthma and other lung diseases, and people who exercise or work outdoors.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- The Denver Metro/North Front Range area has levels of ozone, commonly known as smog, well above the EPA’s science-based standards set to protect public health and Colorado’s natural splendor. The state’s Air Pollution Control Division was required to submit a plan to the EPA to clean up the smog.
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- Ending the free pass for oil and gas industry pollution will level the economic playing field to speed up the transition to renewable energy.
Next Steps
With this legal victory, the Center plans to challenge other states, such as Texas, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania, which have similar loopholes in their air pollution rules.
Conclusion
For more information about the fight against air pollution, please visit Protecting Air Quality Under the Clean Air Act.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses the health problems caused by air pollution, specifically ozone pollution, which is linked to asthma attacks and premature death.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article mentions the high levels of smog in the Denver Metro/North Front Range area and the need to clean up the air pollution.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights the need to transition to renewable energy and reduce pollution from dirty fossil fuels.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – The article mentions that ozone pollution damages Colorado’s parks and natural areas, including aspen trees.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.9.
- Indicator: Air quality index in the Denver Metro/North Front Range area – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 11.6.
- Indicator: Percentage of renewable energy sources in the energy mix – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 13.2.
- Indicator: Condition of Colorado’s parks and natural areas, including aspen trees – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 15.1.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air quality index in the Denver Metro/North Front Range area |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Percentage of renewable energy sources in the energy mix |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Condition of Colorado’s parks and natural areas, including aspen trees |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: biologicaldiversity.org
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
