Quit siding with polluters

By Montana Black, Las Vegas

Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017 | 2 a.m.

It was encouraging to read in the July 11 edition of the Las Vegas Sun about Nevada’s position to take a strong lead on shifting to a green-energy economy. The recent slew of state legislation that benefits both our economy and our environment shows true leadership and an understanding that the two do not need to be mutually exclusive.

This is good news in the face of an administration and EPA head who are hostile toward any protection or regulation that would curb the unfettered exploitation of our planet in the pursuit of fossil fuels. The signed executive order by Donald Trump to end the Clean Air Act and the recent attempt by EPA head Scott Pruitt to delay methane leak detection and repair requirements for oil and gas wells are examples.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and is highly toxic. To not regulate this dangerous pollutant and require oil and gas companies to ensure their pipelines and wells do not leak is to put all of us at risk — our children, our families and our communities. This is absolutely unacceptable.

It is time to stop putting polluters’ profits ahead of our health. Bravo, Nevada, for showing true leadership and guiding us to a healthy future that grows our economy and protects the health and well-being of our people and our planet.