(1)In order to foster the health, welfare,
convenience, and comfort of the inhabitants of the state of Colorado and to
facilitate the enjoyment and use of the scenic and natural resources of the state, it
is declared to be the policy of this state to achieve the maximum practical degree
of air purity in every portion of the state, to attain and maintain the national ambient
air quality standards, and to prevent the significant deterioration of air quality in
those portions of the state where the air quality is better than the national ambient
air quality standards. To that end, it is the purpose of this article 7 to require the use
of all available practical methods which are technologically feasible and
economically reasonable so as to reduce, prevent, and control air pollution
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(1) In order to foster the health, welfare,
convenience, and comfort of the inhabitants of the state of Colorado and to
facilitate the enjoyment and use of the scenic and natural resources of the state, it
is declared to be the policy of this state to achieve the maximum practical degree
of air purity in every portion of the state, to attain and maintain the national ambient
air quality standards, and to prevent the significant deterioration of air quality in
those portions of the state where the air quality is better than the national ambient
air quality standards. To that end, it is the purpose of this article 7 to require the use
of all available practical methods which are technologically feasible and
economically reasonable so as to reduce, prevent, and control air pollution
throughout the state of Colorado; to require the development of an air quality
control program in which the benefits of the air pollution control measures utilized
bear a reasonable relationship to the economic, environmental, and energy impacts
and other costs of such measures; and to maintain a cooperative program between
the state and local units of government. It is further declared that the prevention,
abatement, and control of air pollution in each portion of the state are matters of
statewide concern and are affected with a public interest and that the provisions of
this article 7 are enacted in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the
purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people
of this state. The general assembly further recognizes that a current and accurate
inventory of actual emissions of air pollutants from all sources is essential for the
proper identification and designation of attainment and nonattainment areas, the
determination of the most cost-effective regulatory strategy to reduce pollution,
the targeting of regulatory efforts to achieve the greatest health and
environmental benefits, and the achievement of a federally approved clean air
program. In order to achieve the most accurate inventory of air pollution sources
possible, this article 7 specifically provides incentives to achieve the most accurate
and complete inventory possible and to provide for the most accurate enforcement
program achievable based upon that inventory.
(2) It is further declared that:
(a) Climate change adversely affects Colorado's economy, air quality and
public health, ecosystems, natural resources, and quality of life;
(b) Colorado is already experiencing harmful climate impacts, including
declining snowpack, prolonged drought, more extreme heat, elevated wildfire risk
and risk to first responders, widespread beetle infestation decimating forests,
increased risk of vector-borne diseases, more frequent and severe flooding, more
severe ground-level ozone pollution causing respiratory damage and loss of life,
decreased economic activity from outdoor recreation and agriculture, and
diminished quality of life. Many of these impacts disproportionately affect rural
communities, communities of color, youth and the elderly, and working families.
Reducing statewide greenhouse gas pollution as outlined in this subsection (2) will
protect these frontline communities, first responders, and all Colorado residents
from these and other climate impacts.
(c) We must work together to reduce statewide greenhouse gas pollution in
order to limit the increase in the global average temperature to one and one-half
degrees Celsius, which scientists agree would provide a more stable and hospitable
climate for current and future generations and mitigate the risk of catastrophic
climate impacts in Colorado;
(d) By reducing greenhouse gas pollution, Colorado will also reduce other
harmful air pollutants, which will, in turn, improve public health, reduce health-care
costs, improve air quality, and help sustain the environment;
(e) Reducing greenhouse gas pollution will create new markets, spur
innovation, drive investments in low-carbon technologies, and put Colorado
squarely on the path to a modern, resilient, one-hundred-percent clean economy.
Delay in pursuing and securing greenhouse gas reductions as outlined in this
subsection (2) will prevent Colorado communities from capturing the benefits of
these new jobs and markets, in addition to exacerbating the climate impacts that
harm Coloradans. The clean energy economy is already bringing tens of thousands
of jobs and billions of dollars in direct investment to counties across the state,
benefitting workers, families, and communities. Colorado can continue to facilitate
such a transition to a clean energy economy. Food and fiber production has made
significant achievements in areas of productivity and sustainability. Modern
technology in this sector contributes to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by
sequestering carbon in the soil and enhancing sustainability through technologies
that reduce methane emissions and produce renewable energy. Continuing to
encourage these types of achievements is beneficial.
(f) By exercising a leadership role, Colorado will also position its economy,
technology centers, financial institutions, and businesses to benefit from national
and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gases;
(g) (I) Accordingly, Colorado shall strive to increase renewable energy
generation and eliminate statewide greenhouse gas pollution by the middle of the
twenty-first century and have goals of achieving, at a minimum:
(A) A twenty-six percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas pollution by
2025;
(B) A fifty percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas pollution by 2030;
(C) A sixty-five percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas pollution by
2035;
(D) A seventy-five percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas pollution
by 2040;
(E) A ninety percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas pollution by
2045; and
(F) A one hundred percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas pollution
by 2050.
(II) The reductions identified in this subsection (2)(g) are measured relative to
2005 statewide greenhouse gas pollution levels.