Colorado Governor Polis Takes Important Step on Transportation Electrification

(Denver, CO – January 17, 2019) Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order today that will lead toward important clean air and economic benefits for all Coloradans.

The executive order directs the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to pursue adoption of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) standards — an action that has already received broad support from Colorado businesses and communities — and has already been adopted by ten other states across the country.

“Today Governor Polis took an important step forward by announcing his commitment to increase the deployment of electric vehicles and improve Colorado’s readiness for a clean, zero-pollution transportation system,” said Pam Kiely, Senior Director of Regulatory Strategy for EDF. “We’re excited about Governor Polis’ vision, and look forward to working with the new administration to accelerate these critical clean technologies while simultaneously rolling up our sleeves to secure the science-based reductions in climate pollution essential to protect Colorado’s environment and its economy.”

In his first Colorado State of the State Address, Governor Polis made addressing the urgent environmental and economic harms from climate change a clear priority. He promised to “confront [it] head-on” by pursuing “outcomes-based approaches … that deliver emissions reductions from all sources.”

Today’s executive order starts Colorado down that path by helping catalyze the deployment of clean vehicles and transportation infrastructure. Both play an important role in any comprehensive strategy to address one of the largest sources of climate pollution in Colorado.

The executive order provides a framework for Colorado to accelerate electrification in its transportation sector – a move that will help secure vital reductions in climate pollution, create jobs, save families hundreds of dollars each year on fuel costs and provide more opportunities for Coloradans to choose clean, zero-emitting vehicles.

The executive order also provides the framework to expand the infrastructure supporting widespread transportation electrification, including solutions to help maximize the climate, health, and economic benefits these zero-emitting vehicles will deliver to all Coloradans.