Colorado Adopts Clean Car Standards to Protect Public Health, Cut Climate Pollution, Save Coloradans Money

(Denver, CO – November 16, 2018) Colorado just became the latest state to adopt clean car standards that will protect their citizens’ health and save them hard-earned money at the gas pump.

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission voted unanimously today to adopt state standards that will reduce climate and other health-harming pollution from passenger cars and trucks. That means cars sold in Colorado in the future will emit less climate and other air pollution and provide major fuel cost savings for Coloradans.

“Clean cars for Coloradans is a mile high home run that means healthier air, a safer climate and cost savings,” said EDF president Fred Krupp. “The new state clean car standards will protect Coloradans’ health and the state’s natural beauty, and will save people’s hard-earned money. The Trump administration has been undermining our most important health and environmental protections, but states like Colorado are stepping up with win-win solutions that will benefit everyone.”

Today’s vote means Colorado will join a coalition of 13 other states that are already implementing clean car standards, at a time when the Trump administration is trying to roll back our popular and successful national clean cars program. 

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper issued an executive order in June that provided for state health and environmental policymakers to consider adoption of protective state clean car standards. Newly elected Governor Jared Polis has made clear that his administration will support the program.

The Colorado state clean car standards will reduce climate pollution by more than two million metric tons annually in 2030, and by four-and-a-half million metric tons annually in 2040. They’ll also significantly decrease other types of air pollution that cause serious heart and lung diseases.

The standards will reduce fuel consumption in new cars, which will save Colorado families money at the gas pump. The average Colorado family will see a net savings of almost $2,400 over the six years they own a new car.

The Colorado state clean car standards have broad support from local governments in the state and from many health, environmental, and consumer advocacy groups – including EDF, Conservation Colorado, Environment Colorado, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Sierra Club.