Photo credit: Maico Pereira via Unsplash

On July 19, the U.S. House vigorously approved a bill—Respect for Marriage Act, RMA (H.R. 8404)—which repeals Section 2 of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and provides same-sex couples with certainty that federal protection and benefits would flow from a valid marriage celebrated in a state where such marriages are legal, despite if a couple travels or relocates to different state. With many other crucial precedents reposing on the clause of due process people have begun to worry that more civil liberties will be attacked by the partisan Supreme Court.
As baby formula has dropped to the lowest level of inventory recorded so far this year—with nearly 30% of formula products still out of stock as of July 3, 2022-the Biden administration along with close coordination with formula companies have begun importing products from surrounding companies to bridge the gap; until U.S. production can keep shelves stocked.
The newly authorized 4th COVID-19 vaccine was cleared for use in the U.S. On July 19, 2022: Novavax. Inc, an American biotechnology company has shipped 3.2 million vaccination doses to federal distribution centers. People could start receiving the vaccines as early as July 25.
During August 1-31—the highest ozone season in Colorado—the entire month will offer Zero Fare charge on all regional transportation district (RTD) systems to help combat ground level ozone emissions. The fare-free month on RTD transportation was made possible by the Colorado Senate bill 22-180; signed by Gov. Jared Polis on May 26, 2022, and RTDs partnership with Colorado Energy office allowing 68 million to go to transit systems, Bustang service, and to improve main streets.
As of July 25, DCP operating company LP is set to pay a $3.25 million fine after federal and Colorado state air pollution officials discovered the companies lack of attention to detect and repair leaks resulting in increased health-harming ozone emissions in Weld County. The EPA has Weld County part of the northern Front Range non-attainment area for its continued ozone violations. State officials and the EPA said in a statement that they’re focusing on tightening the oil and gas operations in the northern Front Range regions.
The City of Boulder is currently seeking out a $6.5 million annual climate tax—The Climate Action Plan Tax—which will help protect and sustain against pollution and rising heat waves. If approved by votes this fall, the tax would shift the majority of the cost to business and industries, and away from city residents.
Cobalt Abortion Fund has seen their caseload triple since the Supreme Court, in an unprecedented decision, chose to strike down Roe Vs. Wade. Newly released fund data reveals that Cobalt Colorado paid for 710 procedures between January 1 and July 25, with 88 in June alone. And of the 168 clients the organization helped between June 24 and July 21 with practical support such as travel expenses, child care and hotel rooms, 64 percent were from Texas, 31 percent came from other states, and 5 percent were from Colorado.
U.S. companies that prescribe abortion pills after telehealth consultation have seen an increase in demand in restrictive states since last months Supreme Court overturn of Roe V. Wade. States where it is illegal to have an abortion—women can still receive pills through non-profits and companies based overseas or in nonrestricted states. The Biden administration has sought to protect access to pills used to conduct more than half of abortions in the U.S.
Since Russia’s first attack on Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, not a single compromise has been made; until now—Friday, July 22, Ukrainian and Russian officials sat at separate tables while they signed the U.N.-backed grain export deal in Istanbul, Turkey. The agreement will clear the way in Odesa and other ports for shipments of wheat out of The Black Sea within weeks, freeing up storage space in Ukraine for fresh harvests.
Tina Peters was arrested for a second time and released on bond from Pitkin County after contacting Mesa County Elections Director Brandi Bantz under her grand jury indictment for allegedly facilitating a security breach in the Mesa County election office.

Small Talk

“As much as the world is tired of infectious disease crises, they are part of a new normal that is going to demand a lot of resources.” – Tom Ingiesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at The Bloomberg School of Public Health, on the Monkeypox outbreak

“We cannot solve our unacceptable air pollution problem without significantly increasing clean travel options. While these investments won’t be enough to ensure clean air for Colorado this summer, they are a great start.” – Danny Katz, executive director of CoPIRG, said in a recent news release praising all of SB-180’s components

“The increase in demand has been disproportionate.” – Sandra Cardona, founder of Red Necesito Abortar, an abortion non-profit in Monterey

“EPA continues to deliver cleaner air through the rigorous enforcement of the Clean Air Act. This settlement will reduce emissions of over 288 tons of volatile organic compounds and 1,300 tons of methane from production areas near northern Colorado communities, a majority of which are disproportionately impacted by pollution.” – EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker in statement about Weld County’s ozone leakage

“The lifting of these blockades will go some way in easing the extreme hunger that over 18 million people in East Africa are facing with 3 million already facing catastrophic hunger conditions.” – Shashwat Saraf, the International Rescue Committee’s East Africa emergency director

By The Numbers

Fire was top-of-mind for many respondents to a recent poll about the climate tax, according to staff. An overwhelming 78% of those surveyed would support a $5 million tax, the poll found, and 71% would vote for an $8 million tax.
In the 2020-21 fiscal year, the state’s individual income tax revenue was roughly $9.5 billion, accounting for more than 60% of total general fund revenue.
Among some 2,800 people who used telehealth for an abortion, about 96% reported the pils were effective and 1% reported experiencing adverse events, according to a 2022 study in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas.

The war with Russia has blocked shipments, leading to a backlog of 20 million tons of grain in Ukraine.
Tina Peters, who spoke virtually at the event Sunday, asked couples to donate $2,500 each to raise $250,000 for a recount.