I was happy to read the top story in this morning’s Summit Daily and to learn that others are just as outspoken as I have been on the idea of building another fast-food restaurant with two drive-thrus in our small, mountain community. This statement from the last Frisco Town Council meeting echoes my opinion exactly. “Some highlighted the carbon emissions idling cars produce at drive-thru establishments, which is why towns like Breckenridge have banned most drive-thru establishments.” 

Living in a community that is known for its ability to lead by the example of transitioning to renewable, carbon-free energy is the best reason of all to reject the McDonald’s proposal. Summit County’s High Country Conservation Climate Action Plan is the most logical, pressing reason to reject the McDonald’s proposal.

“Adopted by the towns of Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne and Summit County government, the Summit Community Climate Action Plan is the guiding document for our work. It outlines strategies for reducing local greenhouse gas emissions across four key sectors: renewable energy, building energy, transportation and waste.” 

Two more reasons support the need and urgency of rejecting the McDonald’s proposal. The fact that our school and community transportation systems offer carbon-free EV buses is proof of Summit County’s commitment to green energy. The fact that our mountain resorts are powered by solar and wind energy speak volumes about what our Summit County citizens value.

It is imperative that the Frisco Town Council listen to the peoples’ voices and help support our community’s vested interests in protecting our health, our resources, our environment and our people by rejecting the McDonald’s proposal which will go against every meaning of the words “healthy, green, carbon-free and renewable.”