153B753F7F86F40387258B0A00035B16 Hearing Summary

Senator Michaelson-Jenet, prime sponsor, introduced and explained House Bill 24-1338 Cumulative Impacts & Environmental Justice. The bill creates the Office of Environmental Justice, creates a rapid response team to respond to air quality complaints, and requires an assessment of refinery regulations.

Michael Ogletree, representing Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in support of the bill. Trisha Oeth, representing Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in support of the bill. Naomi Amaha, representing The Denver Foundation, testified in support of the bill.

The prior panel answered questions from the committee.

Angie Binder, representing Colorado Petroleum Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Carly West, representing Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, testified to amend the bill. Rebeca Medrano, representing Conservation Colorado, testified to amend the bill. Charles Perko, representing United Steelworkers, testified in opposition to the bill.

The prior panel responded to questions from the committee.

Cindy Copeland, representing Colorado Communities for Climate Action, testified in support of the bill.

Ruth Hund, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Darci Martinez, representing National Association of Hispanic Nurses - Denver Chapter, testified in support of the bill. Ean Tafoya, representing GreenLatinos, testified in support of the bill.

The prior panel answered questions from the committee.

Ramesh Bhatt, representing the Sierra Club, testified in support of the bill. Heidi Leathwood, representing 350 Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Rebecca Curry, representing Earthjustice, testified in support of the bill. Tom Abood, representing Together Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Written testimony is included as Attachment O.

The sponsor gave closing comments.