Noah Rott, noah.rott@sierraclub.org, 406-214-1990
Denver, CO - Today, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) formally approved the Colorado Clean Car rule, a major policy to slash tailpipe pollution and accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). As adopted, the program requires that 82% of new cars sold in the state are ZEVs in 2032, improving Coloradans’ access to clean vehicles while reducing climate-harming emissions.
This rule stops short of the stronger rule Sierra Club pushed for, which would achieve 100% new ZEV sales in 2035 in line with the state’s 2050 net-zero goal. However, the AQCC strengthened a provision to potentially adopt a full rule in 2029, in response to advocacy by Sierra Club and allies.
"The future is looking a lot cleaner for Colorado as we phase out dirty vehicles and support a transportation system that protects our communities" said Colorado Sierra Club Chapter Director, Margaret Kran-Annexstein. “The AQCC is taking a positive step forward, but there is more work to do to ensure better health and welfare outcomes for all Coloradans, especially those living with dangerous air quality.”
The health, climate, and economic benefits of the Colorado Clean Car rule are significant, totaling up to $74.5 billion, but leaves more than $20 billion of achievable benefit on the table that could be achieved with a stronger rule. Transportation is one of the largest contributors to Colorado’s severe ozone issues. The rule would significantly reduce harmful nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions, dramatically improving public health, particularly in communities suffering from high emissions.
"Living in Adams County between busy highways, I see my wife using her inhaler more and more and see neighbors making hospital trips for chronic respiratory illness," said Sarah Clark, Field Manager at Colorado Sierra Club. "Air pollution threatens public health across Colorado, particularly in communities struggling with poverty and communities of color where people are more likely to live near busy highways. This is just one of many reasons we need to quickly transition away from fossil fueled transportation."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.