Colorado released its first Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap (Roadmap) in January 2021. This Roadmap laid out an achievable pathway to meet the state’s science-based climate targets of 26% by 2025, 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050 from 2005 levels. Colorado tracked the implementation of an identified list of Near Term Actions, and by December 2022 had begun work or completed over 90% of the identified actions.
The state is now working to update the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap (“Roadmap 2.0”), including an updated inventory of emissions and a new set of Near Term Actions that will guide implementation in the state. Public input on what actions the state should take is extremely important. State agency staff will attend public meetings in the spring and fall of 2023 to hear from community members and ensure their feedback is reflected in the state’s plan.
Written Comment on ideas for new Near Term Actions
We want to hear your ideas for what actions the state should take to meet our greenhouse gas reduction targets! We’d also love your feedback on some initial draft ideas state agency staff have developed on potential Near Term Actions to consider. Submit written comments on your ideas and feedback regarding potential actions the state could take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado below. The state will accept comments through Friday, December 15, 2023.
Draft Baseline Emissions Forecast
With support from RMI — an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization that helped with greenhouse gas modeling — we have updated the state’s baseline emissions forecast. This forecast is available in the online Colorado Energy Policy Simulator, which is available for stakeholders to use to test assumptions and model policy ideas. Notably, this Roadmap baseline modeling shows expected greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions based on current policies and incentives. Without any new rules or laws beyond what is already underway, Colorado is more than 80% of the way to meeting its statutory goal of a 50% emissions reduction in 2030 from 2005 levels. Find more information about this baseline:
Open Meetings on Greenhouse Gas Roadmap Update
The State of Colorado wants to hear from Colorado residents to understand their priorities, concerns, and ideas related to climate change, air quality and clean energy. Colorado agency staff held open meetings at locations across the state and virtually during early summer 2023. We will hold our final round of stakeholder meetings in late November and early December, including meetings in Pueblo, Trinidad, Durango, Grand Junction, Craig, Greeley and Denver (Montbello neighborhood), as well as a virtual meeting.
Sector Roundtables
In addition to in person meetings, the State is holding a final round of sector specific roundtables on topics related to major sources of emissions including transportation, electricity generation, oil and gas, industry, building energy use, and land use and agriculture.
2021 Roadmap and Biannual Reports
2021 Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap
Click the link below to read the first Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap report, which the State published in January 2021.
View the 2021 GHG Pollution Reduction Roadmap Report
An Executive Summary is available in both English and Spanish.
Executive Summary Resumen Ejecutivo
See all other materials related to the 2021 Roadmap, including technical appendices, outreach plans, and presentations, in the folder linked below.
Biannual Interagency GHG Report
The Executive Directors of the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) were directed under a July 2021 Executive Order to issue a biannual report to update the public on progress being made on the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap and identify opportunities for further action.
See Biannual Interagency GHG Reports
These reports outline actions taken on the policies and programs that, as modeled in the GHG Roadmap, will accomplish a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, all while improving air quality, advancing equity, and reducing energy costs for Coloradans. These reports discuss progress made to date, as well as additional actions in development.