It is ‘abusive’ that working class bears brunt of rising costs

Editor:

Four weeks ago the Gunnison Times posted the GOP’s letter to the editor on bringing to light the fact that Colorado’s PUC is appointed by Governor Polis. More importantly, their 100% decarbonization mandate is not accompanied by state funds. Funds to relieve the working class of the higher cost of living in our valley.

Now the Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment (all appointed, not elected) is mandating, under Regulation 31, (Adopted Dec. 18, 2025, effective Feb. 14, 2026) mandates that all landfills, by 2029, install a methane gas collection system. Capital cost is estimated at $1.5 to $2 million, and $250,00 annually to operate.

Waste management companies will now pass the costs to all homes, apartment complexes and businesses. Each will see huge monthly rate increases for garbage removal.

This mandate, along with the PUC’s edict of zero carbon emissions, places all the costs on the operators, who then pass it on to the consumers.

We find it abusive that the working class bears the brunt of these costs, with no assistance from the state. But the state finds money for transgender surgeries.

Cori Balch

Neil Watko