Remember this number, John: 80216.

This number is among the nation's most polluted zip codes, nestled in North Denver and Commerce City, Colorado. Two weeks ago, I decided I needed to witness it firsthand.

At the Green House Connection Center in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood, surrounded by local politicians, community activists, and concerned citizens, I listened to their stories — and it brought me to tears.

The firsthand accounts of life in the shadow of polluters like the Suncor Oil Refinery were heart-wrenching. Lucy Molina, an environmental activist from Commerce City, shared what life is like for her and her neighbors—stories of health issues and a community constantly enveloped by the smell from nearby industrial sites, including the Nestle Purina pet food factory.

The reality of this community’s poor air quality is not just a statistic. It's a daily struggle for residents who suffer from nosebleeds, headaches, and even cancer due to pollution.

On top of it all, Suncor has paid massive dividends to its shareholders but has failed to allocate adequate resources to deal with the problems it’s created in Colorado.

My visit was a vivid reminder that behind every statistic are real people—families, children, and elders—whose lives are impacted by the reckless actions of fossil fuel giants like Suncor.

This experience has strengthened my resolve to keep fighting for climate justice and stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines of this battle. At the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, our core mission is to elect state and local leaders who are truly dedicated to tackling climate change and cutting our dependency on fossil fuels. It's essential that our elected officials in Colorado prioritize the well-being of their constituents over the interests of harmful corporations.

Last year, we saw our efforts bear fruit when Shontel Lewis and Sarah Parady, two candidates with a firm stance on environmental and public health issues, were elected to the Denver City Council. Their victories underscore the impact we can achieve together.

And that’s why your involvement is crucial, John. Whether by staying informed, contributing to Jane PAC, or volunteering in your community, every action makes a huge impact in our fight to elect more climate champions at every level of government.

For those who wish to learn more about the local activists battling in these communities against the oil and gas giants, I encourage you to click here to read more about my experience and the ongoing efforts in Colorado >>>

This is a long fight, but together, we’ll keep moving forward.

In solidarity,

Jane Fonda