In a clear defiance of recent federal decrees, Boulder County Commissioners stood their ground on climate action. Boulder County, along with the State of Colorado, has vehemently opposed the Executive Orders signed by President Trump that aimed to severely restrain local governments' abilities to legislate on climate and clean energy regulations. As detailed by Boulder County, the commissioner's statement, these orders are seen as a direct attack on the rights to protect air, water, and the well-being of Coloradoans against the ongoing climate crisis.
With the support of Boulder County voters through the Sustainability Tax, the commissioners plan to continue to forcefully push forward their climate initiatives, undeterred by the Executive Orders. Their stance is that the federal government does not have the authority through Executive Orders "to block state laws and lawsuits." They argue that these orders contravene the public mandate for decisive action on climate change and would require them to disregard the local democracy's call for a robust response to climate threats.
The Executive Orders in question have been criticized for favoring fossil fuel interests over public health while diluting standards for air and water quality and undermining environmental justice protections. Commissioners Claire Levy, Marta Loachamin, and Ashley Stolzmann confirmed in their collective message that Boulder County's right to act locally against climate change remains paramount and within their legal rights.
Despite the present challenges, Boulder County commissioners have pledged to stoutly lead on climate and environmental issues. "Boulder County will continue to lead on climate and the environment, defend our right to act locally, and protect the health, safety, and future of our residents," they emphasized, as obtained by Boulder County. They express concern over the orders threatening Colorado's and Boulder County's progress in tackling the climate crisis, particularly when dealing with alarmingly high levels of ozone pollution along the Front Range.
