The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has announced the launch of its first Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis, a research project aimed at helping state and local communities understand how various environmental factors such as pollution and extreme heat affect public health.
The Office of Environmental Justice within CDPHE will select one community to participate in this initial analysis. The chosen community will collaborate with the state and a contractor to collect data, share personal experiences, and identify ways to reduce harm and improve quality of life.
“This work is a crucial step toward understanding and addressing the real-world environmental challenges that some communities face more than others,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, CDPHE Executive Director. “By working directly with residents and local leaders, we can make sure our efforts are grounded in community voices and focused on creating a healthier Colorado for everyone.”
According to CDPHE, the analysis will examine multiple environmental stressors together to better understand their combined impact on health. It aims to provide a clearer picture of conditions within selected communities and guide future decisions related to permitting, planning, and public health.
“This is more than just a data project,” said Meghan Guevara, Director of CDPHE’s Office of Environmental Justice. “We’ll be listening to the people who live and work in the community, learning from their experiences, and using that information to support stronger, more informed action.”
Nominations are now open for community members, Tribal or local government leaders, as well as organizations interested in participating. Eligible communities must appear on Colorado’s Disproportionately Impacted Community Map and have at least one local agency or organization willing to serve as a coordinating partner. Nominations will be accepted until August 8.
Further details about nominations or the project itself can be found by visiting the Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis webpage or by contacting CDPHE’s Office of Environmental Justice via email at cdphe_ej@state.co.us.
