President Trump’s pledge to increase America’s oil and gas production during his second term is receiving mixed reactions in oil-rich Colorado. While some see it as a potential economic boon with more job opportunities, others are concerned about the shift away from clean energy sources. Harmony Cummings, a former oil and gas industry worker turned environmental activist, highlights the pollution in the Globeville-Elyria-Swansea (GES) neighborhood in Denver, one of the most polluted zip codes in the country. She runs the Green House Connection Center in the neighborhood, focusing on community engagement, environmental policy work, and healing through arts. The center faces challenges with funding, especially amid federal funding freezes for climate projects under the Trump administration.
Kelly Nordini, a leader in Colorado’s environmental organization, expresses concern about Trump’s actions to rollback clean energy production and increase oil and gas production, emphasizing the importance of embracing renewable energy sources. However, Chelsie Miera, the executive director of West Slope Colorado Oil & Gas Association, sees Trump’s plan as an opportunity for American businesses and consumers, particularly with the opening of more federal lands for oil and gas exploration. U.S. energy secretary Chris Wright, a former Denver oil executive, supports Trump’s energy agenda, emphasizing the need to expand energy production for national security and global competitiveness. Despite differing opinions, Cummings remains committed to advocating for impacted communities and fighting against unethical practices in the oil and gas industry.
