State of Colorado. (2024, February 26). What they’re saying: Greenhouse gas pollution reduction roadmap 2.0: Colorado governor Jared Polis.
PRESS RELEASE – The Polis administration released an updated Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0. This important plan lays out a set of near-term actions to reduce emissions across economic sectors and create key new pathways to assist in reaching Gov. Polis’ ambitious goals of cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution in half by 2030, and moving toward net-zero GHG pollution in Colorado by 2050.
Here is what more than 30 leaders, experts, and organizations are saying about Colorado’s bold actions to address climate change:
Community Leaders and Elected Officials
“As a member of the community, the State has had a positive impact on involving the voices of community members about climate change, weatherization, and renewable and clean energy. The collaborative effort on Roadmap 2.0 is a great example of how the State and community members can come together to develop a document that will help guide Colorado’s efforts to address climate change moving forward. I am grateful for that work.”
“Como miembro de la comunidad, el Estado ha tenido un impacto positivo al involucrar las voces de los miembros de la comunidad sobre el cambio climático, climatización, energía renovable y energía limpia. El esfuerzo de colaboración en el plan climático 2.0 es un gran ejemplo de cómo el estado y los miembros de la comunidad pueden unirse para desarrollar un documento que ayudará a guiar los esfuerzos de Colorado para abordar el cambio climático en el futuro. Estoy agradecido por ese trabajo.”
– Aurelio Avalos, Community Navigator and Community Leader/Conector y Lider Comunitario
“The State of Colorado’s new Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0 treats the climate crisis with the urgency it deserves. This is an all-hands on deck moment, and the Roadmap reflects that by identifying how emissions will be reduced across all sectors of Colorado’s economy and how every state department will contribute to those reductions. The City of Boulder has ambitious climate goals, including 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2035. Given the concrete steps outlined in the Roadmap, and working in partnership with the State, I’m confident we can accomplish those goals and more.”
– Mayor Aaron Brockett, City of Boulder
“The update to the Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap is an important step forward in ensuring Colorado farmers and ranchers are recognized in the state’s climate goals. Colorado’s agricultural producers already cope with climate impacts, including drought and extreme heat. I am pleased that the GHG Roadmap Update includes important near-term actions that support and incentivize agriculture’s ability to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions through renewable energy and energy efficiency programs like ACRE3 and the Colorado Soil Health Program that encourage and incentivize carbon sequestration in our working lands.”
– Darrell Hanavan, farmer and retired Executive Director of the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee, Colorado Association of Wheat Growers, and Colorado Wheat Research Foundation
“As co-chair of the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, I support the roadmap because it appropriately prioritizes greenhouse gas emissions reductions in disproportionately impacted communities. Communities like where I live in Commerce City have borne more than our fair share of pollution for too long, and so it is appropriate that the roadmap identifies opportunities to protect public health by prioritizing the co-benefits of greenhouse gas emissions reductions in already overburdened communities now and for future generations.”
– Dr. Darci Martinez, Past President of the Denver Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and member of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments
“We applaud the Governor’s commitment to developing policies focused on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This new climate roadmap provides critical guidance for our state as we determine how to best manage our limited natural resources. While Grand Junction was the first municipality in the country to convert methane to biofuel for use in our fleet of vehicles, we have also embarked on a plan for sustainability that includes water conservation and a continued focus on the use of renewable energy sources as well as alternative modes of transportation. We are proud to participate with our colleagues across the state to continue to identify new and better ways to conserve and to build on our success for the future.”
– Mayor Anna Stout, City of Grand Junction
Nonprofit Organizations
“Making climate action equitable, impactful, affordable, and achievable is an extremely delicate balance. While there is much work to be done, Colorado’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Roadmap 2.0 is energizing our state’s growth amidst nationwide transitions. Alongside the partnership of our communities, local leaders, businesses, lawmakers, and public servants, Colorado is primed to lead the march toward our collective climate and clean energy goals.”
– Joe Antus, Executive Director, Signal Tech Coalition
“Roadmap 2.0 is a win for people and nature. The Roadmap includes ambitious economy-wide greenhouse gas reduction strategies alongside an approach to streamlined, conservation-aligned renewable energy siting. This is a compelling vision for addressing climate change and protecting Colorado’s cherished natural landscapes.”
– Carlos Fernández, Colorado State Director, The Nature Conservancy
“Colorado’s updated Pollution Reduction Roadmap capitalizes on the nationwide boom in clean energy investment and will help the state maximize the opportunities of historic federal climate investments. We support the state in continuing to build on this roadmap to deliver on the state’s climate promises with strong, bold policy that curbs emissions across sectors while additional federal and private investments that reduce pollution, lower energy costs, and create jobs.”
– Alli Gold Roberts, Senior Director, State Policy, Ceres
“Colorado’s Roadmap 2.0 boldly and inclusively lays out a path to better health, more jobs, greater resilience, and lower costs through climate action. This isn’t just a roadmap for Colorado, it’s a model for the rest of the country.”
– Casey Katims, Executive Director, U.S. Climate Alliance
“Actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions also reduce pollutants that contribute to our unhealthy ozone days, helping us secure a healthier future in more ways than one. Powering more of our homes, vehicles and lives with increasingly cleaner electricity can also save consumers money and reduce our exposure to volatile gas prices. I’m excited to see near term actions such as expanding travel options like transit, reducing barriers to shift to cleaner homes, and cutting waste through energy efficiency and zero waste strategies. There’s no one solution and this roadmap underscores the need to reduce pollution wherever we can, using every tool we can, as quickly as we can. Let’s get to work to implement these actions and more.”
– Danny Katz, Executive Director, COPIRG
“YIMBY Denver has long recognized that compact development, where residents have shared access to transportation, infrastructure, and services, is more environmentally and fiscally sustainable for our cities and towns. As Colorado attempts to meet its statutory emission-reduction targets, we are pleased to see the updated Greenhouse gas road map continues to recognize the importance of allowing more Coloradans to live in neighborhoods where they walk, bike, or take public transportation. This will help Colorado meet emission targets, while also helping to curb sprawling developments, helping to preserve Colorado’s wild places and natural resources. The Roadmap recognizes that infill housing results in significant emission reductions, while also noting the lag time in the effectiveness of these policies. This should add a level of urgency to our State’s land use reform efforts, and we urge the Colorado legislature to move with the urgency that our climate crisis demands”
– Kevin Matthews, YIMBY, Denver Lead
“This updated GHG Pollution Reduction Roadmap is essential for Colorado to achieve its climate goals. With the transportation sector being a leading contributor to GHG pollution, we’re pleased to see a continued focus on reducing vehicle miles traveled and enhancing public transportation along with actions to increase the number of electric vehicles on the road.”
– Pete Piccolo, Executive Director, Bicycle Colorado
“We applaud the release of this document. It will help steer ambitious efforts that will strengthen our communities by investing in programs and policies that prioritize health, affordability, and our environment.”
– Javier Alberto Soto, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Denver Foundation
“Colorado’s Roadmap 2.0 outlines an exciting continuation of the state’s national leadership to make efficient electric machines more affordable and accessible for everyone. Electrifying our homes, businesses and communities is an investment in Coloradans’ economic well being, health, safety and comfort. We stand ready to help turn this plan into reality across the state, especially for those low-income and disproportionately impacted communities that stand to realize the greatest benefits.”
– Zach Pierce, Senior Manager of State and Local Policy, Rewiring America
“Colorado is a leader in climate action, and this roadmap charts the next steps in our collective journey toward an equitable carbon-neutral future. Local governments appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on the numerous strategies within this roadmap that will direct the state’s climate action over the next few years. Many of the near-term actions included in this Roadmap address critical barriers and opportunities that lie ahead. As with any suite of strategies, implementation that engages local governments in a continued partnership is critical, and we look forward to working with the administration and partners throughout the state to ensure Colorado achieves a 50% reduction by 2030. “
– Anita Seitz, Advocacy Director, Colorado Communities for Climate Action
“We commend and appreciate the Polis Administration’s leadership in crafting the second iteration of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap. The Roadmap 2.0 outlines targeted strategies and near term actions that will help direct our efforts and investments to work in unison with actors across the state to achieve Colorado’s climate targets.”
– Paul Sharfenberger, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Clean Energy Fund
“Protect Our Winters (POW) commends the Polis administration for its proactive approach toward achieving stricter greenhouse gas emissions standards outlined in the 2.0 GHG Roadmap. The Governor’s commitment underscores the critical importance of bold, forward-thinking policies to safeguard Colorado’s natural wonders and the outdoor recreation economy that so many residents and visitors rely upon. Climate change needs political leadership and action now, and POW applauds the Governor’s commitment to prioritizing renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency standards, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors. These initiatives demonstrate Colorado’s leadership in the global fight against climate change and a more sustainable future for everyone who recreates in Colorado’s cherished landscapes.”
– Erin Sprague, Chief Executive Officer, Protect Our Winters
Academic and Research Institutions
“Colorado has emerged as a global leader on implementing thoughtful and practical climate change policy. The enormous effort made by the State on balancing analytical rigor, detailed policy design, and politics is no small feat. What emerges through the prioritization of affordability, housing, and transport is the right mix of investments, regulations, and legislation. We are very proud to have played a small role in supporting aspects of the work, and look forward to continuing to engage in making this new Roadmap a success for all Coloradoans.”
– Morgan D. Bazilian, Director of the Payne Institute and a Professor of public policy at the Colorado School of Mines
“We were thrilled to use the Colorado Energy Policy Simulator to support clear and open modeling for this far-reaching Roadmap. We look forward to seeing Colorado put in place all of the good and diverse actions identified in the Roadmap, continuing Colorado’s leadership and progress on climate action. We hope that the free-to-use, online Energy Policy Simulator can continue to serve people throughout the state in tracking implementation progress and identifying additional follow-on actions to fully achieve the state’s GHG reduction goals.”
– Wendy Jaglom-Kurtz, U.S. Program Manager, RMI
“The Colorado GHG Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0 illustrates Colorado’s position as a leader among states in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, economy wide. This is hard work, so congratulations to our Governor and our legislature for their ongoing commitment to address this thorny issue.”
– Bill Ritter, Director and Founder of the Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) at Colorado State University and former Governor of Colorado
“While there are a handful of states that share Colorado’s goal for a zero carbon electric grid by 2040, this Roadmap 2.0 shows how much has actually been accomplished in Colorado — or is in the works — to meet this goal. And much of this has been accomplished by tapping into Colorado’s capacity for innovation and history of partnerships, rather than relying solely on legislative mandates.”
– Dr. Bryan Willson, Executive Director, CSU Energy Institute
Industry and Business Organizations
“As the stewards of sensitive agricultural land, farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of the impacts of climate change. Our members understand that something has to be done to address the causes of climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas pollution. We appreciate the state of Colorado’s thoughtful approach to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap which includes reductions across all sectors of the economy. Rocky Mountain Farmers Union has supported and will continue to support workable or practical greenhouse gas reduction targets that use a voluntary, incentive-based approach like those outlined in the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap and the Strategic Plan for Climate-Smart Natural and Working Lands.”
– Chad Franke, President of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
“The updated statewide roadmap re-commits Colorado to a climate leadership position that we’ve earned through excellence, expanding access, and genuine collaboration: ensuring our energy transition lifts up all families while cementing environmental and economic leadership. Colorado Cleantech and the Colorado CleanRange are primed to lead the charge in driving innovation, nurturing talent and cultivating the environment essential for the realization of this plan. We applaud Governor Polis, his staff, and the legislative leaders who have prioritized policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
– Laura Hickernell, Executive Director, Colorado Cleantech Industries Association
“The Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0 is an ambitious update to the existing plans for fighting climate change. The solar and energy storage industry supports these actions to rapidly increase clean energy in an equitable and economically beneficial way.”
– Mike Kruger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Solar and Storage Association
“The Boulder Chamber applauds the Polis administration for continuing to drive our state toward a more climate-protective and cost-savings energy system through its Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0. Most relevant to business interests are the incentives the Roadmap offers for their own clean energy infrastructure investments. This collaborative approach to achieving statewide clean energy and climate protection goals will also serve as the foundation for Colorado’s long-term economic vitality.”
– John Tayer, President and Chief Executive Office, Boulder Chamber
“Colorado’s oil and natural gas industry is committed to clean air and lowering our emissions even further. As the Governor recently noted, our industry has been delivering greater GHG emission reductions than planned, and we’re committed to doing even more, including through actions identified in the Roadmap. Working in partnership with the state, our members are investing in technology and innovation to drive even better results for Colorado and the communities where we live and work.”
– Christy Woodward, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs, Colorado Oil & Gas Association
Companies
“New Belgium Brewing prioritizes investing in innovative clean technologies, including those developed here in Colorado, because responsible stewardship of the environment and our resources is central to our Human Powered business philosophy. We have seen the benefits of this commitment for our business, our supply chains, and our customers, and we are pleased to support the State’s updated Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap, which will help Colorado attract more investment in clean technologies that create jobs, bolster our economy, and fight pollution that harms public health.”
– Shaun Belongie, Chief Executive Officer, New Belgium Brewing
“Arapahoe Basin is committed to taking action to confront the climate crisis and protect the outdoor winter industry, and we support policy action that helps achieve this goal. Today we applaud the Polis administration for releasing its GHG Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0, which will steer our state toward a cleaner future and preserve the treasured resources and industries that are so essential to Colorado’s economy and the A-Basin way of life.”
– Alan Henceroth, Chief Operating Officer, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
“By putting forward this ambitious initial plan for achieving a carbon-free economy, Governor Polis is doing right by Coloradoans who want greater economic prosperity and jobs, safer and more livable places to live, healthier communities, abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, and more. We applaud Colorado for stepping up with strong leadership, rigorous goals, and diligent accountability – and we look forward to collaborating with the Colorado Energy Office on ways to make the roadmap even stronger by adding longer-term provisions.”
– Alan Hoffman, Chief Policy Officer, Rivian
“We commend the State for its accomplishments and progress toward an ambitious clean energy vision. We are proud of the progress we’ve made in partnership with the State and the Public Utilities Commission. We have dramatically increased the renewables on our system – delivering 42% to our Colorado customers today — and reduced carbon emissions 51% over 2005 levels. We look forward to continued collaboration in meeting the state’s targets while maintaining a relentless and unwavering focus on safety, reliability, and affordability.”
– Robert Kenney, President, Xcel Energy, Colorado
“The Roadmap 2.0 represents Colorado’s commitment to comprehensive climate policy that is anchored on community needs, while protecting the state’s amazing natural resources. This Roadmap demonstrates why we are so proud to be advancing our carbon management projects in the great state of Colorado.”
– Brent Lewis, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Carbon America
“Next-generation geothermal energy is ready to deploy today to provide 24/7 clean and reliable electricity in Colorado, creating energy jobs in rural communities across the state and securing grid reliability. Fervo applauds Governor Polis for the ambitious and achievable vision contained in the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap. Planning for a 100% clean and reliable grid by 2040 creates the market framework to unlock the clean electricity Fervo provides and makes Colorado an attractive target for long-term investment. Fervo is ready to help Colorado meet this roadmap by creating high-paying jobs in the energy sector and delivering clean, reliable and affordable power.”
– Jack Norbeck, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Fervo Energy
“Colorado’s updated Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap is a great step toward bolstering Colorado’s economy through a broad range of technologies that reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions. This is one of the reasons why Charm Industrial is growing its business in Colorado, and we look forward to partnering with the state on supporting the growth of carbon removal technologies.”
– Peter Reinhardt, Chief Executive Officer, Charm Industrial
“Colorado continues to lead the world in measuring and reducing pollution from oil and gas. Through a combination of smart policy and technology innovation, this Roadmap builds on that legacy for Colorado to continue to lead the world on low-emission oil and gas, in addition to significant and meaningful policies to reduce demand for fossil fuels over the coming decades. We at Project Canary work with companies and governments all over the world to drive accurate measurement and granular emissions data, and I am confident those partners will continue to look to Colorado for leadership.”
– Chris Romer, Co-Founder, Project Canary
“This new climate roadmap is a comprehensive, workmanlike action plan that builds on the state’s successes on multiple fronts, from methane to EVs to clean power. Of course, it’s not perfect: climate is a uniquely tricky and wicked problem. But it presents real, if difficult, solutions. We’re behind it, and we are going to help implement it, and build on it to do even more.”
– Auden Schendler, Senior Vice President Sustainability, Aspen One
“I applaud the comprehensive nature of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0, including the establishment of 2035 clean heat targets, pursuing strategic electrification or thermal energy projects for heat decarbonization, and the expansion of funding for industrial decarbonization projects. This plan demonstrates that Governor Polis and the Colorado Energy Office recognize the economic opportunity that reducing our state’s greenhouse gas pollution represents, and we look forward to working with the state to make Colorado a national climate action leader.”
– Addison Stark, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, AtmosZero