Investors and companies across the Centennial State are praising Colorado Gov. Jared Polis for signing into law today a bill that would reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution specifically sets the state on a path to reduce statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90 percent by 2050.
Among the investors and companies applauding Gov. Polis and Colorado lawmakers for for advancing a low-carbon economy in the Centennial State are Aspen Skiing Company, Istonish and New Belgium Brewing.
“Climate change is the number one business risk we face in the outdoor recreation industry. That is why Aspen Skiing Company is committed to delivering on our goal of reducing our carbon emissions 25 percent by 2020.” said Matt Hamilton, sustainability director at Aspen Skiing Company. “We applaud the passage of the Climate Action Plan. Establishing targets to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions is key to protecting Colorado’s economic future and the longevity of our industry.”
The Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution also sets interim GHG emissions reduction targets of 26 percent by 2025 and 50 percent reduction by 2030, and directs the Air Quality Control Commission to develop regulations that will help Colorado achieve these ambitious targets. The Colorado Legislature passed the bill the last week of the 2019 session, following weeks of debate during which companies in Colorado weighed in to urge lawmakers to vote yes.
Major investors and companies in Colorado, including Alterra Mountain Company, First Affirmative Financial Network, Vail Resorts and others, offered their support for the bill throughout the legislative debate, citing the economic benefits of curbing GHG emissions and transitioning to clean energy. Colorado’s existing clean energy policies have already helped the state attract nearly $7.4 billion in renewable energy investment to date.
“As a company of technology leaders, Istonish commends the Colorado legislature and Governor for passing a bold program that will support the transition to a low-carbon future. The legislation will encourage technological innovation right here at home, helping the Centennial State stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy,” said Annette Quintana, CEO and Founder at Istonish. “We applaud Colorado policymakers for their commitment to climate action and the state’s transition to clean energy.”
“New Belgium is well aware of the risks climate change poses to our business, as well as the economic opportunities of reducing emissions and accelerating clean energy adoption,” said Steve Fechheimer, CEO at New Belgium Brewing. “The strong statewide emission reduction targets in the Climate Action Plan will help build the clean energy economy, spur technological innovation and create a sustainable future for all Coloradans.”
Companies have been driving the demand for clean energy in Colorado and across the U.S. Nearly half of Fortune 500 firms have set goals to reduce carbon emissions and increase their use of clean energy. Thirty-seven percent of companies in Colorado have committed to power their operations with 100 percent renewable energy.
“Ceres applauds Colorado for heeding the call of the business community to take bold action to tackle climate change,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations at Ceres, a nonprofit organization working with investors and companies in Colorado. “By setting clear GHG emissions reduction targets, Colorado is providing much needed policy certainty for the growing number of businesses looking to power their operations with clean energy. We look forward to working with state leaders to develop policies that will help Colorado meet these bold new emissions reduction goals and strengthen the state economy.”
“We are thrilled to see Colorado take such a big step forward in passing the Climate Action Plan,” said Carlos Fernandez, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Colorado. “Climate change is an urgent problem that is already causing serious impacts in our state. HB19-1261 will tackle the problem head-on by setting goals rooted in science to cut carbon pollution from every sector of our economy.”
About Ceres
Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. For more information, visit www.ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.