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January 12, 2009

DENVER - Fire and health officials and many whose lives have been affected by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning joined Representatives John Soper and Lois Court and Senator Chris Romer to urge passage of House Bill 1091, a bill that will help protect Coloradans from CO by requiring all new homes and apartments to install a CO detector. Six Coloradans have died and dozens have been treated from CO poisoning, just in the past few weeks.

HB 1091 will be heard by the House Business Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Joe Rice (D-Littleton), Tuesday after 9:30 am in the Capitol’s Old Supreme Court Chambers on the 2nd floor.

Lead sponsor Representative John Soper (D-Thornton) said, “I am proud to carry this bill again this year and look forward to its passage. We have lost too many Colorado lives over the past few months. We must do everything we can to prevent these tragedies from occurring again. I am an electrician and I know that the installation of carbon monoxide detectors is a reas

onable addition to new homes that can prevent senseless deaths and injuries.”

Rep. Lois Court (D-Denver) said, “I believe that promoting safety is a lawmaker’s primary responsibility. The Lofgren family, my constituents, died of CO poisoning while in Aspen over Thanksgiving. I applaud the Lofgren’s many family and friends for raising the awareness of this danger and for helping others avoid the tragedy they’ve experienced.”

A CO alarm costs $15-$30; consumers should place one on each floor of a home. For more information on CO poisoning visit www.knowaboutco.co

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