Standing Up For Our Communities - Conservation Colorado

Communities & Justice

We engage Black, brown and Indigenous Coloradans in conservation work to build a more powerful movement. Communities of color and those with lower incomes disproportionately live without clean air, clean drinking water or safe places to work. These unequal conditions are due to generations of oppressive policy choices by white leaders who have historically excluded communities of color from the political process, especially when it comes to voting.

Use your voice to protect the health of Colorado’s frontline communities.

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Fight Environmental Injustice

Historic and systemic barriers stand between many of our communities and access to a healthy environment.

We are fostering equity, diversity, and inclusiveness to ensure all Coloradans are fully represented and engaged in our work to protect this state we love.

Organize Frontline Communities

Communities on the front lines of environmental pollution experience the first, and often worst, impacts. We work to build power in these communities by making connections and providing community members with hands-on advocacy experience.

Inspire Local Action

Building a movement requires many small successes. We help mobilize local residents to craft effective, community solutions to environmental concerns.

Engage Elected Leaders

When large groups of people don’t vote, elections are decided by narrow, unrepresentative perspectives and in the interests of wealth and power. We work to increase diversity in policy making by engaging more representative community activists and leaders at all levels of government.

Ensure a Just & Equitable Transition to a Clean Energy Future

Successfully tackling climate change requires meaningful policies in tandem with a strong, inclusive clean energy economy. We’re taking steps to ensure a just and equitable transition to this new economy, with a particular focus on working families, communities of color, and rural communities.

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Support our equity work

With your support, we will continue to ensure that communities on the front lines of climate change and air pollution are active participants in solutions to these problems.

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STORIES

FROM THE FIELD

“My kids they know what is going on en el mundo y ellos saben que hay algo que cambiar.”

Laura Soltero Protégete Volunteer, Denver

Our Victories

Oil & Gas Reforms

For too long oil and gas regulations have not kept pace with development, leaving our communities and environment to bear the consequences. We helped pass common-sense reforms that prioritize Coloradans’ health and safety over industry profits.

School Setbacks

Oil and gas development puts nearby areas at risk with harmful air pollution and dangerous accidents. We worked to better protect the well-being of children across Colorado by requiring oil and gas activities to occur at least 1,000 feet from school facilities.

Protecting Disproportionately Impacted Communities

Secured strong safeguards in the Climate Action Plan to address the specific needs of low income, rural, and disproportionately impacted communities.

From The Blog

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Blog, Climate, Communities, Communities and Justice Feature, Communities Spotlight, Oil & Gas, Oil and Gas Feature

From Working in the Oilfield to Mobilizing for Environmental Justice

Oil and gas hazards threaten all Colorado residents, but especially industry employees. A just climate future must include safe options to earn a good wage.

June 18, 2020/by Ben Lerman

Blog, Climate, Communities, Latest News, Oil & Gas

Mapping for Environmental Justice in Globeville, Elyria-Swansea

In Globeville and Elyria-Swansea, historic and persistent heavy industry leads to environmental injustice. Mapping and community stories chart a new course.

July 17, 2020/by Ben Lerman

Blog, Climate, Communities, Latest News, Oil & Gas, Oil and Gas Feature, Public Lands, Water

Update: Professional Oil and Gas Commissioners Hired

Oil and gas pump jack in front of mountain landscape

The Colorado Oil and Gas new professional Commission brings varied expertise to make sound decisions to implement SB-181. Here’s how you can weigh in.