Colorado governor Jared Polis on recent climate, energy, & housing wins
Aug 7, 2024
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Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a leader in climate legislation, joins climate policy advisor Will Toor to discuss groundbreaking wins in environmental policy. They unpack Colorado's 2019 climate roadmap, showcasing ambitious emission reduction goals. The conversation highlights innovative sustainable transportation initiatives, such as electric bike rebates, and the state's geothermal energy advancements. They also delve into the evolving role of utilities in the clean energy transition and the need for faster renewable energy development to meet ambitious climate targets.
Colorado's ambitious climate strategy faces challenges in meeting 2025 goals but relies on enhanced land use policies for future success.
Legislative efforts to increase housing density near transit hubs aim to improve affordability and reduce environmental impacts simultaneously.
Deep dives
Colorado's Climate Goals and Accountability
Colorado has set ambitious climate targets with a comprehensive climate roadmap, aiming for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, 2030, and 2040. However, recent assessments reveal that the state is not on track to meet its 2025 goal, leading to discussions about necessary policy adjustments. The importance of land use decisions, particularly around transit corridors, is emphasized as a crucial factor in achieving climate goals. Despite the current shortfall, state officials express confidence that implementing enhanced land use policies will play a vital role in reaching the future targets.
Innovative Approaches to Transportation and E-Bikes
Colorado has introduced unique programs such as electric bike rebates, which aim to promote sustainable transportation by making e-bikes more accessible and affordable for residents. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to encourage people to shift away from personal vehicles, thereby reducing traffic congestion and emissions. The state's electric vehicle tax credit also complements these initiatives, promoting the use of electric cars alongside bikes. As a result, early successes in these programs are being noted, indicating a growing acceptance and enthusiasm for e-bikes as a legitimate transportation alternative.
Navigating the Oil and Gas Industry Transition
The state of Colorado is managing the complexities of transitioning away from fossil fuels while simultaneously accommodating a significant oil and gas industry. Recent agreements with industry stakeholders have established funding mechanisms to support carbon mitigation through transit improvements and conservation initiatives. This collaboration aids in generating substantial revenue for transit projects which enhance Colorado's overall sustainability. However, there are ongoing challenges, such as regulatory adjustments and community concerns, particularly surrounding specific refineries that impact air quality.
Land Use and Housing Reforms
Recent legislative victories in Colorado focused on increasing housing density, particularly around transit hubs, as part of a comprehensive approach to address affordability and urban sprawl. By separating these housing initiatives into multiple bills rather than a single omnibus, lawmakers successfully built broader coalitions to pass necessary laws. This approach aims to create a more efficient housing market, allowing for the construction of affordable homes in proximity to job centers and public transportation. The effort also seeks to mitigate environmental impacts, resulting in fewer long commutes and improved air quality.
Over the past five years, Colorado’s Democratic trifecta has produced a cascade of legislation on climate, energy, housing, and land use (among other things). In this episode, we dive into some of these achievements and the politics behind them with Gov. Jared Polis and his top climate policy advisor (and previous Volts guest) Will Toor.
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