SUSTAINABLE RESILIENT LONGMONT

ACTION ALERT: Support the Boulder County Compost Facility

2/13/2021

ACTION ALERT
February 13, 2021

Support the Boulder County Compost Facility

Background:
Boulder County is building a new compost facility and your voice is needed. Currently, compostable material (food and yard debris, etc.) collected within the county must be taken to a processing facility that is 50 miles away from the Western Disposal transfer station--a 100-mile roundtrip for large, exhaust-pumping trucks. Locating a facility within the county significantly reduces the amount of miles traveled by haulers from Longmont, Lafayette, Boulder and all the cities in Boulder County and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. According to an analysis done as part of the county's evaluation process, the proximity of this site and the expected resulting cost savings for generators and haulers will attract an additional 18,500 tons of organic waste that is currently going to the landfill. This represents a 44% increase over the 42,000 tons collected today. More information can be found at https://www.localcompostclimateaction.org/

Call to Action:
The Boulder County Commissioners will meet next week to discuss next steps on moving the compost facility forward. Unfortunately, local opposition to the plan has resulted in a lawsuit. We need to add community voices to contact the 3 Boulder County Commissioners ASAP to tell them you support this project.

Talking Points:

The Boulder County compost facility will increase the amount of trash we can divert from local landfills, while decreasing pollution from fossil fuels currently being used to transport local compost to a site that is 50 miles away.
The site chosen is the old Rainbow Nursery site on Highway 287, just south of its intersection with Highway 52. The site is zoned for agricultural uses (which can include compost facilities). The site does not have a conservation easement, and was never intended for public recreation or officially designated open space.
In the fight for a balanced climate, there are important and significant actions communities can and must take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the best ways to immediately reduce methane, one of the most powerful of greenhouse gases, is by creating infrastructure to keep organic discards out of the landfill and turn them into compost.

Boulder County Commissioners:

Matt Jones: Mjones@bouldercounty.org
Claire Levy: Clevy@bouldercounty.org
Marta Loachamin: MLoachamin@bouldercounty.org

Sample Email:

Subject: Support the Compost Facility in Boulder County at the Current Proposed Site

Dear Commissioner [Jones],
I'm writing in support of the proposed Boulder County Compost Facility as key infrastructure necessary for the County to move toward its stated Zero Waste goals. While communities in the county are doing a great job diverting organic waste through the collection programs and ordinances that are in place, we need a local compost facility to actually "close the loop" and make the best use of compost as a soil-building resource.

Specifically, I am writing to express my 100% support of the current proposed location. This east location is ideal for the whole county, as it is centrally located off Hwy. 287 & close to Hwy. 52. A local compost facility would also benefit Longmont, to help build capacity for residents to increase participation in the compost program.

The time is now to take local action to avert a climate crisis. The local compost facility makes sense for many reasons, including carbon sequestration, and local incentives to help our farmers and land stewards use compost to maintain healthy soils and restore degraded rangeland. Boulder County has always been an environmental leader. Please help us create a model that other communities can follow.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Coalition Partners & Supporters

For more information please visit https://www.localcompostclimateaction.org/

Rep. Joe Salazar to Keynote Longmont Sustainability Awards

10/12/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2020
Media Contacts:
Abby Driscoll (720) 491-9065 abby@srlongmont.org
Rachel Zelaya (720) 252- 3962 rachel@srlongmont.org

October 12, 2020- This Saturday, Sustainable Resilient Longmont (SRL) will host the 3rd annual Longmont Sustainability Awards event, to honor local environmental champions. Representative Joe Salazar will keynote the event, which will be held virtually via Zoom. Representative Salazar served in the Colorado State House from 2013- 2019. A civil rights and environmental law attorney, Representative Salazar is currently the Executive Director of Colorado Rising. He will be talking about climate change and the importance of grassroots activism to make a difference, and will offer insights into the looming court decision when Colorado Rising sued to reinstate Longmont’s fracking ban.

“We must take on the fight against climate change on multiple fronts. The work that Sustainable Resilient Longmont is doing at the local level truly makes a difference. Public education, awareness and community building is essential to make an impact on policy, regulation, and moving away from fossil fuels to a clean energy future,” said Salazar.
We are delighted to announce this year's award recipients:

Volunteer of the Year: Jenny Kim
Youth Environmental Stewardship: Allison Hummer
Public Servant of the Year: Susie Hidalgo-Fahring
Carbon Free Crusader: Steve Szabo

“SRL’s 2020 Sustainability Awards are a beautiful opportunity to connect this community under our shared passions for environmentalism during this time of distance. I am so honored to be recognized at this event and I cannot wait to celebrate and learn from the diverse and amazing work of my fellow recipients,” said Allie Hummer, Senior at Silver Creek High school.
The event will be emceed by Longmont community activist Angel Sanchez. “Protecting our environment is a passion of mine and that’s why I’m honored to be part of the Longmont Sustainability Awards this year and recognize the important work being done in the community to help us move forward to combat climate change at the local level,” said Mr. Sanchez.

The full program is below and event tickets are available this week at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-longmont-sustainability-awards-tickets-119676809559. More than forty local businesses have donated items to the online silent auction. More information on the event can be found at http://www.srlongmont.org/2020-sustainability-awards.html.
Longmont Sustainability Awards
October 17th
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Virtual Event via Zoom
Event Program
Emcee: Angel Sanchez
Award Presentation:

Volunteer of the Year: Jenny Kim
- Presented by: Rachel Zelaya
Youth Environmental Stewardship: Allison Hummer
- Presented by: Barbara Keith
Public Servant of the Year: Susie Hidalgo-Fahring
- Presented by: Jake Marsing
Carbon Free Crusader: Steve Szabo
- Presented by: Eric Frankowski

Live Auction Host: Representative Jonathan Singer
Keynote Speaker: Representative Joe Salazar
Live Music by: Monica Marie of Lyons https://www.monicamariemusic.com/
Food provided by: Longmont Public House http://www.longmontpublichouse.com/
For a full list of event sponsors please visit: http://www.srlongmont.org/2020-sustainability-awards.html

Sustainable Resilient Longmont Celebrates National Drive Electric Week

9/18/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2020
Media Contacts:
Abby Driscoll (720) 491-9065 abby@srlongmont.org
Luc Nadeau (720) 373-7613 luc@srlongmont.org

September 18, 2020- Next week Sustainable Resilient Longmont (SRL) will celebrate National Drive Electric Week, as part of a nationwide event. Electric vehicle drivers and enthusiasts will participate in a vehicle motorcade down Main Street, and state and local leaders will speak at a webinar to highlight the clean-air benefits and cost-savings of electric cars. We are excited to announce the following events:

The EV Solution:
How Electric Vehicles combat climate change while promoting affordability and equity
September 24th
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Via Zoom Webinar. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zFmSurz3TiCfSSTWM5aW1w

Presentations by:
- Christine Berg, Colorado Energy Office
- Elise Jones, Boulder County Commissioner and Air Quality Control Commission
- Francie Jaffe, City of Longmont
Longmont EV Owners Panel: Learn about affordability, environmental benefits, performance, and more from actual owners
Virtual EV Tour and Test Drive (Tesla Model 3, Fiat 500e, Harley Livewire)

Join us for an educational webinar with the latest updates on how Colorado is leading the way on electric vehicles at the state and local level. Following presentations by state and local leaders, we will host a panel discussion with local EV owners about the affordability, benefits, and incentives for EVs in Colorado. In addition, this event will feature a virtual tour and test drive of two EVs and an electric motorcycle!

EV Motorcade
Saturday, September 26th
5:00-6:00 p.m.

Begins at: Roosevelt Park SE Parking Lot at 5:00 p.m.
Route: From Roosevelt Park the motorcade will head South on Main St, then U-turn at 3rd Ave, back North on Main St.
To participate in the motorcade and for more information: http://www.srlongmont.org/events.html

In addition to these events, Sustainable Resilient Longmont is advocating for the Longmont City Council to pass a GoEV Cities Resolution. Carbon pollution from transportation makes up more than one third of total emissions and is the single largest contribution to pollution in Colorado. This resolution would declare Longmont a GoEV City and pledge to develop a Transportation Electrification Plan with implementation strategies.

Sustainable Resilient Longmont Applauds PRPA Plan to Close the Rawhide Coal Plant

6/17/2020

June 17, 2020- Today, Sustainable Resilient Longmont (SRL) applauds the Platte River Power Authority’s recent announcement of their plan to close the Rawhide coal plant by 2030. According to the announcement, this will mean closing the plant 16 years ahead of schedule. This is good news for the region, which continues to suffer from poor air pollution. The EPA has deemed the Northern Front Range an ozone non-compliance area. Nitrous oxides are one of the main precursors for the formation of ground-source ozone, and PRPA’s Rawhide coal-fired power plant is the largest single point emitter of nitrous oxides in Larimer County.
“After working on this issue for more than three years, it’s gratifying to see PRPA make this huge step forward to transition away from fossil fuels to a clean energy future,” said SRL Board Chair Abby Driscoll.
“In 2017, SRL started a campaign to move Longmont to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. In 2018, the City Council voted to support this goal. It is very exciting to hear that PRPA is now moving closer to this goal by closing Rawhide. Longmont’s future and the health of future generations are at stake. We must continue to transition away from fossil fuels to protect our air, our health and our environment,” said SRL Board Member Karen Dike.
“PRPA’s announcement that they will retire the Rawhide coal plant by 2030 honors the will of their stakeholders to move toward 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. It’s encouraging to see our regional utility moving in this direction - I’m hopeful that PRPA will continue to push for forward-thinking and innovative solutions to achieve our goal,” - said SRL Board Member Luc Nadeau.

Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy Calls on PRPA to Implement 100% Renewable Energy in the Integrated Resource Plan

6/9/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2020
Media Contacts:
Abby Driscoll, Sustainable Resilient Longmont (720) 491-9065 abby@srlongmont.org
Kevin Cross, Fort Collins Sustainability Group (970) 443-1560 jkevin87@comcast.net
Nick Francis, Fort Collins Partners in Climate Action (970) 426-6359 nickfrancis1896@yahoo.com
Gordon MacAlpine, Estes Valley Clean Energy Coalition (970) 342-4668 gmacalpi@trinity.edu
Dick Mallot, Renewables Now Loveland (970) 682-0374 dickmallot@comcast.net
Sarah Snead, Sierra Club Beyond Coal (443) 974-6291, sarah.snead@sierraclub.org

June 9, 2020- Today, Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy released the attached white paper calling on the Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) to Implement 100% renewable energy in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This document outlines compelling data points and central arguments for strengthening PRPA’s commitment to renewable energy in the IRP.

"2030 is a long ways away. That's still a decade longer of fossil fuel pollution in our communities. PRPA should be doing everything it can to transition off of coal and gas in a way that either meets or exceeds city commitments to 100% clean energy by 2030." said Sarah Snead, Organizing Representative, Sierra Club Beyond Coal.

“We cannot wait another five years for PRPA to aggressively pursue a transition away from fossil fuels. The time is now to get serious about how local communities can move towards a future where households, cities and towns are powered by clean energy. It’s what is best for our economy, our environment, and the health and prosperity of future generations. The point is that PRPA can do better when it comes to strategic planning with the planet in mind,” said Abby Driscoll of Sustainable Resilient Longmont.

“In late 2018, the PRPA board set a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. In early 2020, PRPA staff seems to have concluded that achieving 100% renewable electricity cannot be done reliably or cost effectively, using a combination of incomplete and faulty assumptions in its IRP analysis. Given that we’re facing a climate emergency, this is unacceptable. PRPA staff needs to try harder to achieve the goal set by its board and owner communities,” said Kevin Cross with the Fort Collins Sustainability Group.

Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy (NCP4CE) is a coalition of organizations in the four municipalities that own the Platte River Power Authority (PRPA). We have a shared goal of transitioning PRPA to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. NCP4CE is a committee of the Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate, but retains autonomy with regard to its work with the PRPA and all local initiatives. The member organizations of the NCP4CE are: 350 Northern Colorado, Colorado Renewable Energy Society, Colorado Sierra Club, Community for Sustainable Energy, EnergyShouldBe.org, Environment Colorado, Estes Valley Clean Energy Coalition, Fort Collins Sustainability Group, Renewables Now Loveland, Sustainable Resilient Longmont, Transition Fort Collins. For more information please visit https://colivableclimate.org/about-2/

Read the White Paper here

Sustainable Resilient Longmont to hold Earth Day webinar with local youth

4/17/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2020
Media Contact: Abby Driscoll, Sustainable Resilient Longmont
(720) 491-9065 abby@srlongmont.org

Longmont, CO April 17, 2020--- On April 22, Sustainable Resilient Longmont will hold a live event with local youth for Earth Day. Moderated by Marlow Baines of Earth Guardians, this event will feature a live panel discussion with St. Vrain Valley high school students about the challenging opportunities we face with climate change in our community. Topics will include climate change, fossil fuels, what community members can do to make a positive impact, and youth panel participants’ vision for the future.

“The youth represent what matters most about the work we do day in and day out. One of our core programs is youth environmental education and I am so pleased that we are able to engage local youth in this important conversation about climate change, resiliency, and what community members can do to make a positive impact. Since the annual Longmont Earth Day Celebration had to be canceled, we are excited about the opportunity to offer online programming to the community to come together, learn and engage,” said Sustainable Resilient Longmont Board Chair Abby Driscoll.

Marlow Baines, Co-Youth Director of Earth Guardians and panel moderator, said: “The youth of my generation are rising. We do not want to leave our children to solve our problems, as previous generations have left us the problems we face now. Our time is now. Youth have the power to act and be a part of the change we wish to see in the world. That is why I’m inspired to be moderating this live panel discussion with local youth on Earth Day. Working together, we can make a lasting impact on the most important issues facing our community: fighting climate change.”

“I am very excited and honored to be a part of this panel. In these uncertain times, we have such a unique opportunity for self-reflection and contemplation. We can distinguish what is truly important to us and what we hold dear. As the Earth begins to heal without our presence, many are realizing the significance of our actions and the necessity of a solution. This panel is an amazing way to express these feelings and give a platform to the voices that will be carrying the burdens of generations. Covid-19 is blind to race, age, and location, and therefore has united the world in a way that has never been seen before. I hope that as we meet behind our screens, we can recognize this opportunity for togetherness and apply it to environmentalism. This is our world and we are all in it together,” said Silver Creek High School Junior and panelist Allie Hummer.

Moderated by:

Marlow Baines, Earth Guardians

Speakers:

Ashwini Shrestha- Skyline High School
Maya Beauvineau - Niwot High School
Allie Hummer - Silver Creek High School
Megan Neufeld - Silver Creek High School

WHAT: Youth Voices on Climate Action: Earth Day Webinar
WHEN: Earth Day April 22 12:00- 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Via Zoom Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/94720430376
If you are not able to join us live, the recording will be available on the SRL Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SustainableResilientLongmont
There will be a live Q&A and questions can be submitted in advance to info@srlongmont.org

Renewable Energy Podcast #2

4/6/2020

Check out our second podcast!

Listen Here

Media Advisory: What is in our air? The Path to Clean Air in Longmont

1/9/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2020
Media Contacts:
Lynette McClain, Longmont Sunrise Movement (303) 681-7722    lynette.mcclain@gmail.com
Karen Dike, Sustainable Resilient Longmont    (720) 363-7119    karenkdike@gmail.com

What: What is in our air? The Path to Clean Air in Longmont
Longmont Sunrise Movement and Sustainable Resilient Longmont are co-hosting an event focused on air quality. The following three speakers will present a panel discussion, providing air quality data and details on the actions being taken to improve our air.

Senator Mike Foote, Colorado State Legislature
Rep. Joe Salazar, Executive Director, Colorado Rising
Dr. Detlev Helmig, Research Professor, Institute of Alpine and Arctic Research (INSTAAR) at The University of Colorado-Boulder

Ozone and other air pollutants in Boulder County have been linked to oil and gas development. Boulder County and much of the Front Range has been designated by EPA as a “serious nonattainment area” for ozone levels. Ground-level ozone can lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, chest discomfort and shortness of breath; long term exposure can cause increased asthma attacks and heart disease. Benzene -- a pollutant found in burning fossil fuels -- can lead to leukemia. A 2017 study found an elevated health risk -- an eight-fold increased cancer risk -- for residents within 500 feet of an oil and gas facility. Air emissions have been found to damage health up to 2000 feet from wells.
Where: Sunset Middle School Cafeteria, 1300 South Sunset Street, Longmont
When: Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The Sunrise Movement is a national group of young people and their allies working to educate and engage the public about climate change and a democratic way to address it. The Sunrise Movement was formed in 2018. You can find out more about them and their upcoming events at: at https://www.sunrisemovement.org. The Longmont Sunrise Movement formed initially in response to a national call to action, but recently formulated a city climate emergency resolution, which was adopted by the Longmont City Council in October of 2019. They are currently forming interest groups to advocate for local climate emergency actions. The event is posted at: https://www.facebook.com/events/2533153443587587/

Sustainable Resilient Longmont collaborates with the Longmont community to cultivate a sustainable and thriving city. As the hub for education, advocacy and action, they support the three pillars of sustainability: environmental protection, responsible economic growth and social equity. More information can be found at www.srlongmont.org

Renewable Energy Podcast

12/12/2019

Our inaugural episode featuring an interview with Karen Dike, chairperson of Ready for 100. Karen discusses issues related to Longmont's transition to 100% renewable energy and answers some questions about our electrical grid, the future of energy and its impact on our health and the health of the planet.
Check it out HERE

Congressman Joe Neguse to Keynote Longmont Sustainability Awards

10/21/2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 21, 2019
Media Contact: Abby Driscoll, Sustainable Resilient Longmont
(720) 491-9065 abby@srlongmont.org

Longmont, CO October 21, 2019--- This Saturday, October 26th, United States Congressman Joe Neguse will speak at the 2019 Longmont Sustainability Awards. The event will be held 6:00- 9:00 p.m. at the Oskar Blues Oak Room. Congressman Neguse (Colorado Congressional District 2) will provide an update on climate change and sustainability policy efforts at the state and national level.

"Climate change is an existential threat facing our society. In Colorado, we have already experienced the impacts of the climate crisis on our lands, our farms and in our communities. That's why working on climate change is one of my biggest priorities. The power of the grassroots to bring community voices to the table in the fight against climate change is essential. I applaud Sustainable Resilient Longmont for their work to transition Longmont and the region to 100% renewable energy and I am looking forward to being part of their annual event." said Mr. Neguse.

Sustainable Resilient Longmont is pleased to announce this year's award recipients in four categories:

Volunteers of the Year: Trista Rucks and Aron Arnold
Youth Environmental Stewardship: Coral Buchalter
Community Sustainability Leadership: Shari Malloy
Public Servant of the Year: Mike Foote

State Senator Mike Foote, recipient of the Public Servant of the Year Award (District 17) added “I’m proud of the work we were able to accomplish last year in the legislature to give local communities a voice standing up to the oil and gas industry. Sustainable Resilient Longmont is playing an important role fighting to move us away from fossil fuels and I am honored to accept this award.”

The event, which is Sustainable Resilient Longmont’s annual fundraiser, will feature a silent auction and live music by the Billy Shaddox Band of Lyons. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased until Friday at 5:00 p.m. at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-longmont-sustainability-awards-tickets-72841281233

“This is an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the positive work being done at the local level to make Longmont more sustainable as we grow. It’s essential that we work as hard as possible to transition Longmont to a clean energy economy, reduce waste and educate youth about environmental preservation. I’m excited about the opportunity to honor local leaders working to make Longmont more sustainable now and for future generations ,” said Abby Driscoll, Sustainable Resilient Longmont Board Chair.

Oskar Blues is sponsoring food for the event and Avery Brewing and St. Vrain Cidery are providing beverages. The Green Solution is also an event sponsor. Sustainable Resilient Longmont has more than thirty silent auction sponsors. For the full list of event details, including sponsors, please visit: http://www.srlongmont.org/events.html.

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