Colorado Sets Concrete Climate Pollution Reduction Goals, Charts Path for Clean Energy

(Denver, CO – July 11, 2017) In a bipartisan announcement at the iconic Red Rocks of the Rocky Mountain foothills, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper today issued an executive order committing the state to achieve rigorous, economy-wide reductions in dangerous climate pollution – charting a path to cleaner air and economic prosperity through clean energy.

Securing reductions in climate pollution through the increased use of clean, renewable energy to power homes, businesses and transportation will reduce the air pollution that puts Colorado children and communities at risk, will unlock economic opportunities and will ensure the state is doing its part to address the threat of climate change.

“Working in partnership with bipartisan mayors and stakeholders, Governor Hickenlooper has charted a path to cleaner energy and less air pollution that will protect the health of Colorado’s families and strengthen our economy,” said Dan Grossman, EDF’s Rocky Mountain Regional Director. “Expanding clean energy will bring enormous economic opportunity to our state. And by translating the pollution reduction goals into concrete actions, Colorado will help lead the country in the fight to stop the threat of climate change – a commitment to cleaner air and a pioneering spirit are the Colorado way.”

Governor Hickenlooper also announced today that Colorado will join the Climate Alliance — a bi-partisan coalition of governors committed to meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Accord. As part of the Paris Accord, the U.S. had committed to securing reductions of 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. The Governor’s action to join in this bipartisan initiative recognizes that we cannot solve the climate crisis working alone.

The executive order commits Colorado to achieving economy-wide greenhouse gas reductions of 26 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 – an amount consistent with the goals of the Paris Accord.

The executive order also includes concrete pollution reduction targets for 2025 and 2030 from the electric power sector of 25 percent and 35 percent over 2012 pollution levels.

“Today’s announcement puts Colorado on the growing list of states in all parts of the nation that are stepping up to fill the leadership vacuum left by President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accord,” said Pam Kiely, EDF’s Senior Director of Regulatory Strategy. “We look forward to working with the Governor, state policy makers and stakeholders across Colorado to achieve these vital pollution reductions.”

Governor Hickenlooper announced a series of actions today, directed the Department of Natural Resources to incorporate Colorado’s important climate pollution reduction goals into the Colorado Climate Plan, and will seek public input on additional strategies to achieve these goals.