Denver, CO (January 17, 2019) — Today, Gov. Jared Polis made cleaner air and vehicles one of his administration’s top priorities by signing an executive order directing state agencies to accelerate the transition toward a clean transportation future. The order directs the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to reduce transportation emissions by increasing the availability and sales of clean, electric vehicles (EV) in the state through a Zero Emission Vehicle program. Today’s action will help spur innovation in Colorado’s electric vehicle market —boosting the state’s clean energy workforce while helping Colorado businesses and families save thousands of dollars at the pump.
The order comes after the state’s Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted unanimously to adopt Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program standards for light duty vehicles in November.
Following is a statement by E2 Mountain West Advocate Susan Nedell:
“This is an exciting time for electric vehicles and the clean energy economy in Colorado. Today’s announcement establishes clear goals to electrify our transportation sector, and shows it will continue to be a top priority under the new administration. Gov. Polis ran on a platform of climate action and it is encouraging to see him follow through this early with such a significant commitment.”
RJ Harrington, E2 member and director of business development at Denver-based EV charging infrastructure company National Car Charging, said:
“This order speeds our progress toward a clean and greener economy. Coloradans will have greater access to EV models, while the state will be supporting its nascent EV industry.”
E2’s latest Clean Jobs Colorado report shows there are more than 57,000 Coloradans now work in clean energy-related industries. That includes about 2,700 Coloradans who work in clean vehicles businesses ranging from electric vehicle charging companies to suppliers of technology and parts for hybrid and other low-emissions vehicles. Thousands more work in other Colorado companies that rely on low-emissions vehicles.
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To speak with E2 members and clean energy business leaders in Colorado who support policies that can help advance the clean economy, please contact Michael Timberlake at (202) 289-2407 or michael@e2.org.
Additional Resources:
- E2 Report | Clean Jobs Colorado 2018
- MJ Bradley 2017 Analysis | State-Wide Costs and Benefits of Plug-in Vehicles in Colorado
- E2 Statement – November 16, 2018 | Colorado’s Air Quality Regulators Unanimously Adopt New Vehicle Emission Standards
- E2 Statement – June 19, 2018| Colorado Clean Cars Decision Good for Environment, Economy
- E2 Statement – August 2, 2018 | Rolling Back Fuel Standards Will Cost US Jobs, Economic Growth