A chance to protect future generations’ health

[Originally delivered as testimony to Colorado Senate Committee]

My name is Olivia Manke and I am representing myself today. I am a senior at CU Boulder studying Environmental Studies and am here to urge your support for house bill 19–1261. Climate change will inevitably impact my generation, as well as generations to come in the near future. For this reason, a vote “yes” on this bill is an absolutely necessary step that we must take now.

If our emission rates in Colorado continue to go “as are” we will continue to see increased air pollutants and rising temperatures that will exacerbate associated health problems. For example, it has recently been discovered that one pollutant, ppm, once inhaled by a pregnant woman can enter her bloodstream through her lungs and be transferred into the placenta. What will it mean for our families in the future, if fetuses are being exposed to and affected by toxins before they are even born? It is important to me, as well as my fellow millennials that we maintain Colorado’s natural, arid climate throughout the summers and protect our future children’s health from the impacts of climate change.

By passing this legislation and following the timely framework for decreasing our greenhouse gas emissions as a state, you all have the opportunity to do right by not only my generation, but all future generations as well. It will ensure clean air, drinkable water, and a transition towards a clean energy economy that will not only make living in Colorado healthier, but will create good paying jobs and spark innovation in our economy. It is time we take serious, bold action against climate change and voting yes on house bill 19–1261 is a great way to start.

So many young people worry every day our changing climate, and if the world we live in will be uninhabitable for our futures. This is not something that should be on the shoulders of a 22-year-old. Your vote “yes” on this bill today will be a vote for our Colorado’s future. Please vote yes on house bill 19–1261 so that we can continue to raise children in the beautiful, arid, and seasonal climate of Colorado.