December 19, 2008

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission is considering adopting a rule to require CEMEX to upgrade its air pollution controls.  The focus of the rulemaking is to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution, or NOx, from the cement plant to better protect Rocky Mountain National Park.  Because NOx is harmful in many other ways, the rule will have a number of other benefits.  The state and CEMEX have settled on what can only be described as a sub par proposal.  We're fighting for the best NOx controls possible.

This rulemaking also provides an important opportunity to speak out for the best pollution controls at CEMEX.  There will be a public hearing in Denver on December 19th and the Commission is accepting public comments right now.  Below is an alert detailing how people can help support the best pollution controls.  Please spread the word!  And feel free to contact me with any questions or concern.  Thanks so much!


Speak out for Cleaning up the CEMEX Cement Plant!
Send Comments by December 12th or Come Voice Support for Clean Air at a Public Hearing

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission is considering adopting a rule to require the CEMEX cement plant to upgrade pollution controls to reduce nitrogne oxide pollution, or NOx.  NOx is a dangerous pollutant that forms ground-level ozone (the key ingredient of smog), creates haze, and is itself a threat to public health.

The current proposal calls for reducing NOx pollution by only 50%.  Yet the best pollution controls can reduce NOx pollution by 90% or more.

We have an opportunity to speak out in support of the best NOx pollution controls at CEMEX. 

Come to a public hearing on December 19th to speak out for clean air.  Or, if you can't make the hearing, e-mail comments in support of cleaning up the CEMEX cement plant.  Your voice can make a huge difference as the Air Quality Control Commission makes its decision.

Speak Out

When:  December 19th at 10:00 A.M.
Where:  Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (4300 Cherry Creek Drive South in Denver)
What to say?:  Use the sample letter/talking points below, but mainly let the Air Quality Control Commission know how important it is that CEMEX use the best pollution controls possible

or Send Comments

Where to send:  Send comments by e-mail to the Air Quality Control Commission, DOUGLAS.LEMPKE@state.co.us
By when?:  December 12 to ensure the Commission has time to read them
What to say?:  Use the sample letter/talking points below to get started, but don't be afraid to personalize your comments the way you want

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Air Quality Control Commissioners:

I am very concerned about air pollution from the CEMEX cement plant.  I urge you to require CEMEX to install the best controls to reduce NOx pollution.  The current proposal to reduce NOx pollution by only 50% is woefully inadequate.  Although NOx pollution affects Rocky Mountain National Park, it is also a dangerous pollutant that is harmful to human health.  I am very concerned over the effects of NOx pollution from the CEMEX cement plant to my health and my family's.  CEMEX can and should do better.

Please take advantage of this opportunity to help address community concerns over air pollution from the CEMEX cement plant and to help address the fact that the CEMEX cement plant currently uses no NOx controls.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]


Thank you!


--
Jeremy Nichols
Climate and Energy Program Director
WildEarth Guardians
1536 Wynkoop, Suite 302 - Denver, CO 80202
303-573-4898 x 537
www.wildearthguardians.org
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