ADVOCACY

CDPHE’s cancer studies provide limited geographic comparisons, but they did not identify exposed residents, reconstruct residential histories, measure individual exposure, or follow people over time. Without that information—and with questions about the study boundaries and Denver metro comparison population—the health effects of Rocky Flats remain unresolved.

Rocky Flats Downwinders is seeking independent researchers in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, research methodology, health policy and public-health communication to evaluate both CDPHE's Rocky Flats cancer studies and how their findings have been communicated. The objective is not to predetermine whether Rocky Flats caused disease. It is to determine what the existing evidence can—and cannot—establish and ensure that Colorado communicates those distinctions

The Town of Superior has adopted Resolution R-73 supporting H.R. 10115, proposed federal legislation that could expand radiation-exposure compensation eligibility to qualifying people affected by Rocky Flats. The resolution puts the neighboring community's support for the legislation formally on the record.

CDPHE has analyzed cancer-registry data around Rocky Flats for decades. But cancer-registry analysis is not the same as monitoring the long-term health of people who may have been exposed during Rocky Flats operations. Understanding that distinction is essential to understanding what Colorado's cancer studies can—and cannot—tell us.

New federal legislation could extend radiation-exposure compensation to people affected by Rocky Flats, bringing long-sought recognition to downwind communities and renewed attention to their health concerns.

If you lived, worked or attended school near Rocky Flats, does your healthcare provider know? Learn why sharing your Rocky Flats history matters—and download RFD’s Environmental Exposure Letter to help start an informed conversation with your healthcare provider.

Existing cancer-registry studies provide useful information about people diagnosed while living near Rocky Flats—but that is not the same as following the people who lived there during historically relevant periods. RFD is advocating for independent research that considers residential history, migration, latency, exposure-informed geography and long-term health outcomes.

Rocky Flats Downwinders is launching the Truth & Transparency Campaign to ask Colorado for clearer disclosure about what existing Rocky Flats cancer studies can—and cannot—tell us, greater data transparency, independent technical review, and research designed to address the health experiences of people who actually lived near Rocky Flats during historically relevant periods.

The federal government already funds radiation-exposure screening and education, including a RESEP clinic at National Jewish Health in Denver. Rocky Flats Downwinders aren't currently among the populations it serves. We believe they should have access to comparable screening, education and medical guidance.

CDPHE says decades of cancer monitoring have not found elevated rates among residents living near Rocky Flats. But who was actually studied: people present during potential exposure or people living nearby when diagnosed? Our exchange with Colorado’s cancer registry examines this critical distinction

Broomfield's Resolution 2026-115 supports expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act at a critical moment. H.R. 10115 could bring federal recognition and assistance to communities surrounding Rocky Flats—communities that have spent decades asking for greater acknowledgment, health research and support.

Mental health professionals practicing in Arvada, Broomfield, Westminster, Superior, Boulder and other communities near Rocky Flats may encounter clients whose emotional well-being has been affected by the history of the former nuclear weapons plant. Some clients may have lived, worked or attended school near Rocky Flats. Others may be former workers, family members of workers, current residents or people who learned about the site only after receiving a serious medical diagn

A systematic review of 41 studies found that living with chronic environmental contamination can affect anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma symptoms. The research also shows that institutional dismissal of community concerns may deepen the harm.

Rocky Flats Downwinders has created a new resource to help community members discuss their environmental exposure history with their doctors. The Environmental Exposure Letter for Primary Care Providers is designed for people who lived, worked, or attended school near the former Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant. The one-page letter gives healthcare providers a concise overview of Rocky Flats’ operating history, materials associated with the facility, potential long-term heal

New federal legislation could significantly expand who qualifies for compensation for radiation exposure in Colorado, including people who lived near Rocky Flats. In a September 1 report, CBS Colorado examined the proposed Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 and spoke with Colorado Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen and community members about why they believe the legislation is needed. Expanding RECA in Colorado Pettersen, who represents Colorado's 7th

A newly introduced federal bill could provide an important form of recognition and compensation for people who lived near Rocky Flats and later developed qualifying illnesses. As reported by the Arvada Press, H.R. 10115 would expand eligibility under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include people who lived near Rocky Flats, along with communities affected by several other former nuclear sites. The legislation represents a significant development for Rocky Fl

Property owners near Rocky Flats spent 27 years pursuing claims over plutonium contamination. Their case ended in a $375 million settlement. Dow and Rockwell were the defendants—but federal indemnification meant they did not ultimately bear its financial cost. The federal government did.

New legislation has been introduced in Congress concerning Rocky Flats Downwinders and the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). For Rocky Flats Downwinders, this is an important development to follow. RFD has advocated for years for people affected by Rocky Flats to receive greater recognition, health monitoring and support, including consideration under federal radiation-exposure programs. Rather than relying on social media or secondhand reports for updates, we encou

New warning signs at the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge are drawing renewed attention to the site’s nuclear history. Installed in response to public requests, the signs warn of radioactive materials and raise a larger question: how should visitors be informed about the history and continuing concerns surrounding land that once formed part of the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons complex?

On March 17, the Lyons Board of Trustees voted 6–1 to oppose construction of the Greenway through the refuge and its connection to regional trails. Lyons joined Broomfield, Superior and Westminster, which had previously withdrawn their support for the project.