Advocacy Group Cites Air Pollution Violations at Colorado Coal Mine

The Center for Biological Diversity called on Jared Polis’ administration to address air pollution violations at the West Elk coal mine in western Colorado. The mine, the state’s largest single industrial source of methane, has released nearly four times the amount of volatile compounds legally permitted under its air pollution permit. These volatile emissions, released from mine ventilation shafts and wells, contribute to ground-level ozone and smog.

The mine released the equivalent of nearly 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide in 2023. The violations relate to volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to human health and the environment. The call for cleanup comes amid revelations of ongoing clean air violations at the facility.