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VOLUME 120 | ISSUE 32
WEEK OF AUGUST 10, 2023
SECOND CHANCE
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EPA again blocks air pollution permit for Suncor BY MICHAEL BOOTH THE COLORADO SUN
Brazilian Paulo Sergio Rodriguez, 26, rode the bull twice during the Professional Bull Riders touring pro contest at the Adams County Fair. On the first ride, which began after a thunderstorm, the bull slipped in the mud so the judges let PHOTO BY BELEN WARD him have a second ride. See more photos on page 6.
The EPA’s Denver regional office is once again blocking a renewed state air pollution permit for the Suncor refinery in Commerce City, agreeing to objections from environmental groups that Colorado should crack down harder on carbon monoxide dangers and past plant modifications. Suncor has had numerous air and water pollution violations in recent years, and the regional Environmental Protection Agency had its own objections to Suncor permit renewals last year, ordering the state to make changes. After Colorado issued revisions, neighbors and environmental groups had the chance to make new objections. While Suncor’s Plant 2 will be allowed to continue producing petroleum products for Colorado and the region, state air pollution officials must now “resolve EPA’s objections” based on the environmental groups’ two petitions “before issuing a revised permit.” “Improving air quality for the underserved communities affected by harmful air emissions from the Suncor refinery is a shared priority for EPA and CDPHE,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. Becker is the former Democratic Speaker of the House for Colorado, and has placed an emphasis on carrying out environmental justice initiatives while at the EPA. “EPA will continue to work with Colorado to secure the refinery’s compliance with laws and regulations and protect the health of nearby residents,” Becker said. Representatives of the environmental groups welcomed the new scrutiny on Suncor, which has been releasing excessive levels SEE PERMIT, P9
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