Behind every electric car: a coal- or gas-fired power plant

We’ve heard a lot recently about electric vehicles and Gov. John Hickenlooper’s intent to use part of the Volkswagen settlement to build a network of rapid-charging stations. Certainly, the technological advancements in electric vehicles and their offerings should be commended and pursued further. But we also need to recognize that these vehicles are part of the answer, not the answer.

Just as vegetables and meat products don’t come from the grocery store, neither does electrical power come from the walls of your home. As we commit to more electric vehicles, oil, and natural gas will continue to be part of the conversation – from lubricants, to plastics, to power to charge your electric vehicles’ batteries.

For those not familiar with electric vehicles, a full charge at home can take four to eight hours to complete. The governor’s rapid-charge stations, while costly to construct, could knock those charge times down to 30 minutes by unleashing a strong current into the batteries. This level of consistent electrical power would likely be supplied from a coal- or gas-fired power plant. It’s all part of a comprehensive energy strategy that embraces homegrown energy.

Colorado is fortunate to be part of our country’s rise to energy independence made possible by fracking. Through the advancements in drilling technology, the United States will produce more oil than Saudi Arabia, making us the second-largest producer behind Russia, according to the International Energy Agency. So grab a new electric vehicle and put Colorado’s energy portfolio to work for you.

Neal Schuerer Vital for Colorado – Colorado Springs Chapter El Paso County

What would Jesus do in our culture of harassment?

Ending the harassment culture at the Colorado State Capitol starts with legislators. Unfortunately, like so many issues under the Gold Dome, the issue of sexual harassment has become highly politicized. This does more than harm the reputation of the institution. It makes changing the culture nearly impossible and has long-lasting consequences for the mental and professional well-being of victims.

Which is why I have been surprised at the deafening silence from lawmakers about the reported “credible” findings of the investigation into a formal complaint against Sen. Randy Baumgardner. According to the press, Senate President Kevin Grantham has refused to say whether he will make any consequences Baumgardner faces public. Which I guess rules out removing him from his chairmanships on two powerful committees or censuring him on the Senate floor.

What baffles me most about this is the hypocrisy from Republican leaders. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” At the Capitol the “least of these” is the best way to describe legislative aides and interns. They are powerless and need to depend on the lawmakers completely. Even at this very moment current aides and interns in both parties are being blocked from speaking to the media under threat of termination. Culture shift will happen under the dome when brave lawmakers make it a priority, just like any other legislative issue. Until then, maybe they should ask themselves, “What Would Jesus Do?”

Cassie Tanner Lakewood

Send us your feedback:  opinion@ColoradoPolitics.com