Governor Polis launches greenhouse gas pollution reduction roadmap 2.0 - Commerce City Sentinel Express - Colorado Community Media

Governor Polis launches greenhouse gas pollution reduction roadmap 2.0 - Commerce City Sentinel Express

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At a Westminster light rail station on an unseasonably warm February day, Gov. Jared Polis spoke about the future of Colorado’s air quality and unveiled a new version of his administration’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap, dubbed “ Roadmap 2.0.”

The plan, a renewal of a strategy he first set into motion in 2021, aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 with an ultimate goal of net-zero greenhouse gas pollution by 2050.

Roughly 95% of the near-term actions from the original roadmap have been completed, he said, primarily by reducing emissions in industrial facilities, electric power generation, agriculture, transportation and in buildings. State officials added that Colorado is about 80% of the way to its goal of a 50% emissions reduction.

“In a very short time, we’ve made remarkable progress toward meeting our climate goals, but there is still work to do,” Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor said. “Roadmap 2.0 pushes Governor Polis’ bold vision on this vital issue to new heights. We believe these new near-term actions will enable even greater nation-leading progress in addressing greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado.”

Despite Roadmap 2.0 being mostly met with optimism, some climate experts and activists aren’t convinced the Polis administration is doing enough to combat climate change. According to the Rocky Mountain Institute and the Colorado Energy Office report, Colorado is not on schedule to meet the 50% goal.

“Colorado is in a position to miss its climate goals after implementation of the first roadmap, which relied heavily on incentives and voluntary actions — an approach that is not delivering on the hoped-for results,” a joint statement from the Environmental Defense Fund, Western Resource Advocates and Sierra Club read. “Banking on a similar uncertain approach — without directly limiting pollution across major emitting sectors — is likely to continue leaving the state short of its emissions reduction estimates, and short of the results that are needed.”

This statement referred to the January 2021 Roadmap’s strategy of offering financial incentives for renewable energy, offering tax credits, grants and rebates for individuals and businesses to install renewable energy systems such as solar panels or wind turbines, or to purchase electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances. Polis drew criticism from conservatives and business groups for his proposed Employee Traffic Reduction Program in 2021, which ultimately failed.

At the Feb. 26 event, Polis acknowledged to reporters that the goal was not met but that he remained confident in the progress.

“We’re always excited about setting goals that are ambitious, but that are reachable,” Polis answered. “And if a goal is too easy to reach, then it’s not worth setting.”

The new roadmap similarly offers financial incentives for individuals and businesses but with a new section on strategic growth, which will focus on preserving natural lands, building sustainable housing developments, energy-efficient homes, and increased access to multiple forms of transportation, such as public transit, biking and walking.

Kevin Matthews, who leads Denver’s Yes In My Backyard group, which supports more housing in communities, is on board with the plan, saying, “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.”

Roadmap 2.0 was put together with the help of focus groups involving community members across the state. The list of 49 near-term actions laid out in the plan is also projected to create as many as 95,000 new jobs.

“Colorado has been a national model in bold climate action that improves air quality and protects our precious resources and open space. This updated, comprehensive roadmap continues pushing our state forward in ways that will save Coloradans money, protect our air and water, and ensure a more sustainable future for Colorado,” Polis said.