Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ian Rodriguez for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Ian Rodriguez is an 8th grader at Shadow Ridge Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Ian Rodriguez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ian Rodriguez for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jessica Wickersheim for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Jessica Wickersheim is a student at Adams City High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jessica Wickersheim is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jessica Wickersheim for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General H. Michael Edwards, The Adjutant General of the State of Colorado, for his combined service of more than 44 years in the United States Air Force and the Colorado National Guard. Major General Edwards' remarkable service to our state and our nation is much appreciated. His leadership skills were evident even as a cadet attending the United States Air Force Academy; transitioning to Student pilot while attending Undergraduate Pilot Training. He continued to hone his flying skills, serving a distinguished career flying various aircraft from the T-38 to the F-4s. Major General Edwards' command expertise was showcased as he rose through the ranks, becoming commander of the 140th Wing, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, and as the Director of the Combined Air Operations Center, Al Udeid Air Base, State of Qatar. His honorable military career is significant, culminating in the selection and service as The Adjutant General, Colorado National Guard. Major General Edwards has also advised my office on military and National Guard matters and assisted in a number of medal and service recognition ceremonies. His congenial manner, yet focused approach to his command has led to admiration and respect by all Coloradans. I extend my deepest congratulations to Major General H. Michael Edwards for his dedication, commitment and service to our community, state and nation.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Brandon Lujan for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Brandon Lujan is a 12th grader at Mapleton School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Brandon Lujan is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Brandon Lujan for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Danielle Herrera for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Danielle Herrera is a student at Northglenn High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Danielle Herrera is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Danielle Herrera for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ashley Medina for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Ashley Medina is a 6th grader at Pinnacle Charter School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Ashley Medina is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ashley Medina for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Betsabe Abigail Torres for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Betsabe Abigail Torres is a student at Vantage Point High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Betsabe Abigail Torres is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Betsabe Abigail Torres for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member and my friend, the chairman of the committee. We often agree on things in the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, but there are times when our disagreements are huge, and this is one of those times. So, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 1430. We have seen this bill in the last Congress, when it was called the Secret Science Reform Act. It was a lousy bill then, and it is still a lousy bill today. Let's start with the name of this bill, Mr. Speaker, the HONEST Act, but it really should be called the dishonest act. That is because this bill improperly describes what is going on at the EPA, which is looking to protect our environment from extreme weather events that we have in Colorado, throughout the country, and around the world. The EPA is working to protect our clean air and our clean water, and has demonstrably improved our communities and the health of America since 1970. I wish I could say these attacks today and tomorrow on the EPA and scientific research are isolated, but unfortunately they are not. Earlier today, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing on climate science. I was astonished at what I heard from the majority Republican Party calling into question whether climate change is happening, and whether it is caused by humans. All this serves is to attack scientific research and jeopardize the progress we have made to combat climate change and protect our communities. Just yesterday, President Trump issued an executive order to further roll back progress that we have made over the last 8 years. The executive order tries to dismantle the Clean Power Plan and many other important protections from the Obama administration which were worked on based on the best available science and through an open and deliberate process, gathering millions of comments along the way. The fact is, investing in clean energy and reducing emissions is good for our national security, good for our environment, and good for jobs. I believe we can do both--improve our energy independence and create good-paying jobs--at the same time. Colorado has been a leader in reducing harmful emissions, improving energy efficiency, and investing in clean energy, and we have realized substantial economic benefits for Colorado through innovation, research and development, and the creation of good-paying jobs. Mr. Speaker, we need to do better. This House and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee need to take their heads out of the sand and stop ignoring what is going on across the country and across the world. I urge all my colleagues to oppose this bill. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter dated March 8, 2017, from the American Geophysical Union. American Geophysical Union, March 8, 2017. Hon. Lamar Smith, Washington, DC. Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson: On behalf of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and its more than 60,000 members, I am writing to express concerns about the Honest and Open New EPA Science Treatment Act of 2017 (HONEST Act) and the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2017. We encourage you and your colleagues to take additional time to evaluate the unintended consequences of these bills before the bills move forward. Although we appreciate the HONEST Act's protections for confidential information, we remain concerned about several provisions in the bill. For example, requirements in the bill for the use of ``best available science,'' ``data,'' and ``reproducible'' do not have uniform applications across all disciplines. With respect to reproducibility of research, some scientific research involves longitudinal studies that are so large and of great duration that they could not realistically be reproduced. The same may be true for scientific data from a one-time event (e.g., Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill) where the data is gathered in real time. We're concerned that in these situations the EPA could be constrained from using important or relevant research in making decisions. The legislation could also impose costs on recipients of federal research grants where the research results are expected to be ``relied on to support a covered action.'' The bill is not clear on whether it is the EPA's or the research institution's responsibility to cover the costs associated with sharing and archiving this information. We are also troubled by the implications of the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act. As an organization that represents scientists from broad backgrounds and expertise, we appreciate the attempt to ensure a diverse panel of scientific knowledge and perspectives, and support the bill's goal of increasing accountability and transparency for scientific advisors. However, because the bill would exclude some scientists with substantial expertise in their fields from the Science Advisory Board (SAB), the SAB would suffer from the exclusion of valuable insight. The purpose of the SAB is to review the quality and robustness of scientific data that informs EPA's regulatory process. It is imperative that the SAB comprise the most expert, independent scientists and technical advisors to best fulfill that mission. AGU looks forward to working with you on these critical issues in the future. With best wishes, Lexi Shultz, Director of Public Affairs, American Geophysical Union.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, this is a bad joke on America. Here we are, the choice act: The choice is get sick or go broke. The choice is more coverage for average Americans or more tax cuts for the rich, higher costs for families. Twenty-four million people, at least, lose their coverage under the choice act, or TrumpCare. That is a bad joke. That is a bad choice. Here is something: discrimination against older Americans. They have five times the cost of younger Americans under TrumpCare, under their choice act. This hurts Medicare. There are no savings in this bill--that was what the whole thing was all about--but instead, we get less coverage for average Americans. We get many people cut off their coverage, but we get big tax cuts for the rich. This is a bad joke. This bill should be defeated. This rule should be defeated.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gunslinger Custom Paint for winning the 2016 Business Recognition Award from the Jeffco EDC. In 2003, Gunslinger Custom Paint was founded by Jeff Theisen and Dave Call as a sister company to Pearl Auto Body. Theisen and Call founded Gunslinger with the purpose of creating impressive, eye- catching designs that combine custom paint with unique fabrication concepts to meet the needs and desires of motorcyclists. Using nationally known designers, airbrush artists and pin stripers, Gunslinger ensures excellence and creativity and can range from innovative, wild designs to more mild designs with custom colors and effects. The company is known for its cutting-edge artwork and is a Tier 1 supplier for the largest motorcycle company in the United States. Recently, Gunslinger added a third facility on Pine Ridge Road in Golden. I extend my deepest congratulations to Gunslinger Custom Paint for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Church Ranch Properties as the 2016 winner of the Pioneer Award from the Jeffco EDC. The Pioneer Award is given each year to a Jefferson County company that is a leader within its industry and has contributed significant and sustained growth to Jefferson County's economy. Founded in 1869, Westminster-based Church Ranch Properties has decades of construction and finance experience. The company has filled a much-needed economic gap in the metro north area and continues to be actively engaged in high-quality development projects in cities such as Westminster, Arvada, Broomfield, and throughout Jefferson County. I extend my deepest congratulations to Church Ranch Properties for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Federal Express for winning the 2016 Business Recognition Award from the Jeffco EDC. Founded in 1965, Federal Express--or FedEx--is a leader in e- commerce and business solutions. The company has air, ground and sea networks covering more than 220 countries and territories, linking more than 99 percent of the world's GDP. Recently, FedEx became the first company to locate to the Verve Innovation Park at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA). The 216,000 square foot build-to-suit distribution center occupies 26 acres and will bring more than $16 million in new capital investment and 144 jobs to unincorporated Jefferson County. I extend my deepest congratulations to Federal Express for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Metro West Housing Solutions for winning the 2016 Chairman's Choice Award from the Jeffco EDC. Metro West Housing Solutions (MWHS) was established in 1974 as the Lakewood Housing Authority (LHA) to address the community's shortage of sufficient, decent, safe, affordable and sanitary homes for its residents. During the 1970s and 1980s, the LHA developed affordable housing programs for Lakewood residents including: implementation and management of the Section 8 program, purchase of dilapidated property and rehabilitation for sale to first time home buyers, and acquisition of affordable rental options. In the late 1990s and 2000s, the organization continued to grow into a multi-faceted developer, property manager, and service producer. LHA began managing its own properties, acquiring and rehabbing apartment complexes, and developing its own newly constructed apartment communities. In 2008, LHA rebranded as Metro West Housing Solutions to reflect its evolving mission. Today, MWHS remains a fiscally responsible, well respected non-profit and is known locally and nationally for its housing and service delivery. Current projects include the CityScape at Belmar, Lamar Station Crossing and 5800 W. Alameda. I extend my deepest congratulations to Metro West Housing Solutions for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Red Rocks Community College as the 2016 winner of the Genesis Award from the Jeffco EDC. The Genesis Award recognizes an innovative and collaborative individual, city or organization that has significantly contributed to Jefferson County's economic vitality. Since 1969, Red Rocks Community College has delivered a high-quality education to an eclectic mix of students of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. Serving approximately 14,000 annual students, Red Rocks provides a convenient setting with formats ranging traditional classroom, online, self-paced, and weekend classes and campuses in both Lakewood and Arvada. Today, Red Rocks offers more than 150 programs and 650 courses leading to two- year degrees or professional certificates. Recently, Red Rocks expanded its campus in Arvada by adding 50,000 square feet for health careers, technologies, and science programs. The $22.5 million expansion enables the community college to respond to the growing workforce needs of the service area and provide access for students interested in the health and science industry. I extend my deepest congratulations to Red Rocks Community College for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize ADAPT as the 2016 winner of the Genesis Award from the Jeffco EDC. The Genesis Award recognizes an innovative and collaborative individual, city or organization that has significantly contributed to Jefferson County's economic vitality. The Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies (ADAPT) is a research and development organization dedicated to the development of next-generation data and advanced technologies for additive manufacturing technologies. Their technology helps industry and government qualify, standardize, assess, and optimize advanced manufacturing processes and parts. Industry partners such as Faustson Tools, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corporation, and Lockheed-Martin Space Systems came together to help support and secure a grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) to establish ADAPT in December 2015. This world-class program is headquartered at Colorado School of Mines where students and post- doctoral researchers specifically work to improve nickel-based and titanium-based alloy 3D printing with work from Mines students and post-doctoral researchers. I extend my deepest congratulations to ADAPT for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Terrain Brewery for winning the 2016 Business Recognition Award from the Jeffco EDC. In 2016, New Terrain Brewery opened on Table Mountain Parkway featuring a 2,000-square-foot taproom, an outdoor beer garden, and a 15,000 square foot production facility with a thirty-barrel brew house. The New Terrain team brings their curiosity to the science of beer making, working to produce small batch, high quality, and creative beers. With the motto of ``what if we try this way'', the team continues to create, innovate and explore new terrain. I extend my deepest congratulations to New Terrain Brewery for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 3D Systems for winning the 2016 Business Recognition Award from the Jeffco EDC. Founded in 1986, 3D Systems provides comprehensive 3D products and services, including printers, print materials, on-demand parts services and digital design tools. Its advanced applications produce equipment used on the factory floor to the operating room including precision healthcare capabilities such as simulation, Virtual Surgical Planning, and printing of medical, dental and other surgical instruments and devices. As a leader in 3D solutions, 3D Systems has spent its 30-year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring innovative products to market and drive new business models. Recently, 3D Systems relocated and expanded its operations into a 70,000 square-foot facility in unincorporated Jefferson County where it expects to almost double the number of employees and bring millions in new capital investment. I extend my deepest congratulations to 3D Systems for this well- deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Down River Equipment for winning the 2016 Business Recognition Award from the Jeffco EDC. For more than 30 years, Down River Equipment has been manufacturing and distributing a full line of high-quality river equipment including rafts, catarafts, inflatable kayaks, stand up paddleboards and canoes. Based in Wheat Ridge, Down River Equipment is known for their quality frames that are 100 percent made in Colorado along with their dry boxes, tables, pumps and a variety of cargo gear. Owned by sports enthusiasts and operated by an experienced and knowledgeable staff, the company is known for their craftsmanship and passion. In particular, they specialize in custom fabrication, distribution and retail of equipment for all types of river adventures. I extend my deepest congratulations to Down River Equipment for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Primus Aerospace for winning the 2016 Business Recognition Award from the Jeffco EDC. Primus Aerospace is a leading provider of high-precision, high- complexity machined components, kits and subassemblies for the aerospace, defense and space industries. Founded in 1999, Primus serves aerospace customers in North America, Europe and Asia with diversified and complex machined products, assembly services and engineering support. Primus focuses on core principles of increased automation, unique capability, and extraordinary flexibility to their customers while offering a broad array of manufacturing services including machining, assembly, testing, design support, welding, grinding, and finishing. Primus works hard to add new value every year to customers by continually expanding their services, improving their processes, and maintaining a strategy focused on our customers' needs. This company continues to excel, exemplified by its ability to hire 30 new employees in 2016. I extend my deepest congratulations to Primus Aerospace for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jalisco International, Inc. for receiving the 2017 Commerce City Business on the Move Award. The Business on the Move Award recognizes businesses bringing new employment, growth in sales, or new capital investment to the city in the last year. Founded in 1985, Jalisco International is a family and minority-owned prime contractor that specializes in the construction of cement roads, bridges, and walls. The company contributed to the E. 104th Avenue and Highway 85 improvements in 2012 through 2013. In addition, the company is extremely active in charitable giving throughout the metro area. Jalisco International employees volunteer on various community boards and with local organizations and Jalisco International supports Colorado CASA and domestic violence charities women's shelters. Along with these charitable acts, Jalisco International donated playground equipment to local elementary schools in 2016. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jalisco International for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sashco, Inc. for receiving the 2017 Commerce City Business on the Move Award. The Business on the Move Award recognizes businesses bringing new employment, growth in sales, or new capital investment to the city in the last year. Founded in 1936, Sashco is a third generation family- owned company that has been an innovator in the sealants and caulking manufacturing industry for decades. Founded by Don Burch, the company has continued to grow while adapting to various improvements and innovations such as the first flexible caulking material and caulking gun as well as AcryColor and Lexel, the first clear sealant in a clear cartridge. Sashco has been in Commerce City for thirty years and today employs 106 people, 15 of whom were added in 2016. Sashco is very involved in the community. Most recently, they hosted students from local high schools to show them their facilities and product development lab during the Small Business Associations Manufacturing Week in May 2016. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Sashco, Inc. for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 2017 International Women's Day as this is an important time to celebrate women and the great strides made with gender equality. Today is an opportunity to highlight the tremendous accomplishments of women all over the world for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political who pave the way for our future generation. Women's rights are an important issue for our country. As a father of daughters, I value the contributions women make to our country and our communities. That is why I voted for both the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 to help close the gender gap that currently exists between men and women. We must work to ensure equal pay for equal work and support women and their families in the workplace and at home. On a global scale, the United Nation's Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is working to ensure the rights of women in every country I support these efforts and all efforts to ensure women are treated equally across our country and the world. I extend my deepest gratitude to all attendees today for recognizing the contributions of women around the world.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ruth Tsehaye for receiving the 2017 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award recognizes a company or entrepreneur that demonstrates a pioneer spirit to develop a business start-up, new product development, or a company/product with growth in new markets. Ruth Tsehaye was born in Ethiopia and raised in Eritrea. She immigrated to the United States in 1984 to study pharmacology. As a student at Metropolitan State University, she began working for 7- Eleven as a part-time employee and later became the store's manager, improving the store's profits in the process. In 2006, Ruth decided to buy into the franchise and began to win corporate awards for her profitability and leadership. Today, Ruth owns four 7-Eleven stores in Commerce City and employs more than 40 workers. She is set to acquire the newest 7-Eleven location, which is currently being built in Commerce City. 7-Eleven's supply chain reaches into Commerce City with local community suppliers such as Bake Fresh. Her spirit and tenacity exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ruth Tsehaye for this well- deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jack Ethredge and his 32-year tenure as City Manager with the City of Thornton in Colorado. Jack Ethredge began serving as City Manager in January 1985 and served in that capacity until his retirement in March 2017. During his tenure, Jack oversaw the construction of many large-scale projects and helped improve the collaboration between City Council and staff to implement Thornton's vision and overall growth of the city. Specifically, Jack spearheaded several intergovernmental agreements with surrounding cities and school districts, including an agreement with the City of Westminster, which was the first of its kind in Colorado. These agreements helped better coordinate planning in terms of costs, revenue and future growth areas among Thornton's neighboring communities. In addition, these agreements helped make Thornton's city services more efficient and cost-effective including snow and ice control removal on shared streets, special transit services for seniors and low-moderate income residents, and coordination of transportation planning. The Denver Regional Council of Governments and the Colorado Municipal League have recognized several of these programs virtually every year since 1986. Jack's vision, leadership, and commitment to public service and his local community has been recognized by a wide variety of organizations and awards including: Metro North Chamber of Commerce's Economic Developer of the Year; Denver Federal Executive Board's Distinguished Local Government Award; and 1986 Man of the Year by the Northglenn- Thornton Sentinel. I extend my deepest appreciation to Jack Ethredge for his service and commitment to the City of Thornton and I wish him all the best in retirement.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud United Power, Inc. for receiving the 2017 Economic Development Award for Leadership. The Economic Development Award for Leadership honors a business or individual that has been a catalyst for economic vitality in Commerce City through creative leadership, innovation, facilitation, collaboration or through contribution of resources. United Power is a community-based, progressive utility cooperative serving 900 square miles along the north central range of the Colorado Rockies. The company has an electric franchise agreement with Commerce City to provide service to the city's growth areas in the northeast. United Power's capital investment in Commerce City includes a Reunion Substation with 37.5MVA (mega volt amp) transformer that is designed to support future expansion. In addition, United Power provides monetary and volunteer support for community events, non-profit organizations, service groups and chambers. United Power also has a charitable foundation that offers direct grants for 501(c)3 organizations that provide services to United Power members. Employees at United Power also sit on numerous boards. I extend my deepest congratulations to United Power, Inc. for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.