Science is Telling Us That These Communities Are Being Harmed

Ean Tafoya

GreenLatinos is appalled by the off-the-charts benzene levels and other toxic chemicals that have been detrimentally affecting the health of families in the North Denver and Commerce City communities. Community-driven research has uncovered that Suncor Oil Refinery is responsible for producing these hazardous chemicals that are negatively impacting public health, and it is unacceptable that leaders and regulators have failed to take action to protect these communities. Even now when the community has worked to pass legislation requiring fenceline monitoring, Suncor sues the state to slow implementation. GreenLatinos has joined the lawsuit to defend the state and to ensure the will of the people is done.

We are thankful for the efforts of our partner Cultivando, who have been shining a light on this travesty, and we will continue to work with them to demand that Suncor takes responsibility for their actions and make reparations accordingly. They are a true example of listening to the community and acting on their will using dollars derived from penalties on Suncor. We must ensure that the community continues to come together to push back on regulators that devalue our lived experience & community data. We can only do this by holding Suncor accountable and fighting for justice and transparency in our communities.

Science is telling us that these communities are being harmed. We are calling on our elected leaders to take action and make sure Suncor is held responsible for their actions. It’s time we stand together and fight for the safety of our beloved North Denver and Commerce City families! GreenLatinos will continue advocating for justice and transparency in our communities.

Suncor is a terrible actor and while we are digesting this report we are dreading the expansion of Suncor Line 1 expansion project that would triple the capacity of the pipeline from Canada and will add more environmental injustices. We urge our local and global community to demand that Suncor halt all plans for the expansion project. We must ensure that the rights of our communities are respected and that their health is not put at risk by reckless corporate activity.

We are calling on our elected leaders to take action and make sure Suncor is held responsible for their actions.

The time is now to take a stand and protect the lives of those living in these areas. GreenLatinos is dedicated to making sure that North Denver and Commerce City receive the justice they deserve!

Ean Thomas Tafoya Colorado State Director for Green Latinos.