School officials at Adams 14 School District in Commerce City are celebrating the cancellation of a project that would have expanded a storage facility near Dupont Elementary School. Superintendent Karla Loría, concerned about the impact of pollution on students due to nearby oil and gas production facilities, led the fight against the expansion. Loría cited health issues such as nosebleeds, asthma, and chronic absenteeism among students as reasons for opposing the project.
With the support of community organizers, the efforts to stop the expansion were successful as Magellan Pipeline Company withdrew its air permit application for the proposed tanks. While this was a win for the community, Loría emphasizes that environmental justice is an ongoing battle, as there are still significant levels of toxins being released into the air from existing facilities.
Despite the challenges, Loría believes that this victory demonstrates the power of community voices in advocating for environmental justice. Oneok, Magellan’s parent company, has expressed a commitment to continuing to meet customer needs while working with stakeholders in the future.
Overall, the cancellation of the storage facility expansion represents a significant step forward in protecting the health and well-being of students and the wider community in Commerce City. The successful advocacy efforts led by school officials and community organizers showcase the importance of grassroots initiatives in achieving positive environmental outcomes.
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