Latest news with #JunieJoseph
CBS News
28-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Colorado, Boulder officials answer community concerns on immigration, wildfires and more
Saturday, officials from the State of Colorado, Boulder County, and Boulder Police took time to listen to their constituents and answer questions they had. "It's no secret that we had a lot going on in Boulder. We know what's going on in the country," said Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn. State representative Junie Joseph hosted the town hall and said there is a lot on the minds of Boulderites. "Conversation about public safety, there's a lot of conversation when it comes to immigration, wildfires and the unhoused," said Joseph. CBS They were joined by Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson and Boulder County Chief Deputy District Attorney Christian Gardner-Wood at the Canyon Theater inside the Boulder Public Library. "This was a forum and an opportunity for community members to come and ask questions and discuss issues that are most important to them," said Joseph. Dozens of people asked about issues affecting their community, especially public safety, in light of the recent terrorist attack on the Pearl Street Mall. Redfearn says they are working hard to prevent crime and violence, but their most valuable tool in that endeavor is an engaged public. "See something, say something is still true. We don't know the communities, we don't know your block like you do. And so, we just want people to know that 24/7 we want to hear and see from you," said Redfearn. The conversation was an hour and a half, but very easily could have gone longer. Officials say taking part in opportunities like this will help them better serve the public "It's always beneficial. We want to be accessible and not some guy in an office somewhere that's not willing to take questions," said Redfearn. "It's not easy to have those really, really tough discussions, because sometimes as elected officials, we don't have the answer, but they need to know that we are here, we hear them and we are in the trenches with them, and we will continue to fight to support and advocate for our community," said Joseph.
CBS News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Colorado House passes bill that would mandate climate warning labels on gas pumps
Some Colorado state lawmakers are so worried about our air quality that they want climate warning labels on gas pumps. A bill that passed the state House would require retailers to warn customers that burning fossil fuels "releases air pollutants and greenhouse gases, known by the state of Colorado to be linked to significant health impacts and global heating." Opponents say the label is unnecessary and will simply cost retailers, and in turn consumers, more money. The bill's sponsors, including state Rep. Junie Joseph, a Democrat from Boulder, say the climate labels, like nutrition labels, could help change behavior. "In Colorado we're doing a great job when comes to our environmental policies but there are people who are driving into this state who do not have access to the same information and I do believe having that label on the gas pump could potentially educate them," Joseph said. "Are they coming after my cattle next? Because they want to say that my cows create greenhouse gases?" said state Sen. Byron Pelton, a Republican from Morgan County. "We feed the world. So that's what's next." If the bill passes, Colorado would become the first state in the country to require climate warning labels at gas pumps. Retailers who would fail to post the warnings would potentially be charged with a deceptive trade practice and face fines of up to $20,000. The bill still needs approval in the state Senate before heading to the governor's desk.
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Gas Pumps Could Soon Get Climate Change Warnings in Colorado
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Colorado may soon become the first state in the U.S. to require climate change warning labels on gasoline pumps, a legislative move that has received backing from environmental advocates and resistance from the fossil fuel industry. Why It Matters Colorado has already set ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2025 and 50 percent by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. Colorado could now become the first state in the nation to require retailers to warn consumers that burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming. A man walks to his vehicle after pumping gas at a Shell station on April 10, 2025 in Miami, Florida. A man walks to his vehicle after pumping gas at a Shell station on April 10, 2025 in Miami, To Know A bill known as House Bill 1277 passed narrowly through the Colorado House earlier this month as reported by Capital & Main and The Colorado Sun. If enacted, the law would mandate that all fuel retailers place labels on pumps warning consumers that burning fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and global warming. The warnings, similar in concept to cigarette package labels, would be displayed in English and Spanish, using at least 16-point black text on a white background in clearly visible locations. Store owners could face fines of up to $20,000 per violation if they fail to maintain the warning labels, although an amendment would reportedly allow a 45-day grace period to address any issues. Environmental groups including the Sierra Club and 350 Colorado support the bill. Advocates point to similar programs in cities like Cambridge, Massachusetts, and countries like Sweden, where such warnings have reportedly influenced consumer attitudes and behaviors. There is industry opposition to the measure, however. Representatives and gas station owners argue that the bill amounts to shaming consumers and warn it could lead to higher fuel prices. What People Are Saying State Representative Junie Joseph, a sponsor of the bill said, as reported by The Colorado Sun: "The bill, as you've heard, seeks to drive systemic change and to help us meet our greenhouse gas emission goals." Joseph added: "Colorado is actively working to reduce emissions to comply with the Clean Air Act and state climate targets." Angie Howes, a lobbyist representing Kum & Go, which owns Maverik convenience stores, said at a committee hearing, as reported by The Colorado Sun: "The gas pump itself is already cluttered with words, numbers, prices, colors, buttons and payment mechanisms... "The message will likely be lost in the noise and we question the impact of such a label toward the proponents' goals." A spokesperson for Colorado Governor Jared Polis told Capital & Main: "Governor Polis is skeptical of labeling requirements and will review any legislation that reaches his desk." What Happens Next Whether the proposals in the bill will become Colorado law remains to be seen.
