We start the new year with a heavy heart thinking of our fellow Coloradoans who’ve lost their homes in the Marshall Fire which destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 people in Boulder County. More than 6,000 acres burned in exceedingly dry conditions due to a very dry autumn and early winter drought. Governor Polis responded to the Marshal Fire stating, “It’s a long road ahead.” We’ve built back from other disasters, like the 2013 flood, and we will build back stronger from this one because we are Colorado strong. For information about contributing financially to support the relief efforts for those affected by the Marshall Fire, please visit Colorado Responds.
It’s a tough way to start 2022, along with a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, and the impact the virus has had on the nation’s economy.
Next week, the Colorado General Assembly convenes, and legislators are eager to begin their work. We know that majority Democrats have big legislative goals, including further efforts to address climate change with one state senator citing the Marshall Fire as a reason for taking further action. Governor Polis will continue to manage the expectations of his fellow Democrats as state regulators from multiple agencies have numerous regulations to promulgate and implement as a result of a blizzard of legislative activity.
We encourage CMA members to join us for our Legislative Reception next Thursday, January 13 at the Brown Palace Hotel. We are excited to be able to hold this event after having to cancel it last year. This is a great opportunity to inform legislators in attendance about Colorado’s mining industry and its positive impact on Colorado and local communities.
We invite all CMA members to consider participating on our Government Affairs Committee; our meetings are held weekly during the legislative session which runs through mid-May. The Committee meets via Zoom and provides direction to CMA’s lobbyist and staff regarding legislation affecting the mining industry. Please contact the CMA office if you wish to join the committee.
