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Traditional energy sources result in increased emissions of greenhouse gases.
photo © NREL |
Global warming is of critical concern to Colorado and our planet. Greenhouse gases from coal-fired power plants that bring electricity to our homes and businesses, gas and oil that heat our homes, and emissions from the cars we drive are leading to increasing average temperatures across the planet.
There are, however many practical solutions that can help to curb greenhouse gas emissions, reduce consumers' electric bills, increase the amount of clean energy we produce, and create good paying jobs that will help transform our economy. New technologies can make cars run cleaner, reduce power plant pollution, increase energy efficiency, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and utilize clean technologies such as solar and wind power. But the challenges - and opportunities - presented by climate change call for strong political leadership and dedicated individual action to reduce our collective carbon footprint.
You Can Help
The Colorado legislature is currently considering HB 1350, a clean energy bill that would make solar power and other alternative energy options more accessible and affordable.
Get information on House Bill 1350 here
Concerted individual action and collective pressure from people around the globe is the best hope of getting our leaders to take the necessary steps to reduce the impacts of global warming.
An Unprecedented Challenge
Global warming has already led to increased melting of the polar ice caps and glaciers in Greenland and in North America. Increased ocean temperatures have contributed both to more frequent hurricanes and to increased hurricane intensity. The world's leading climate scientists predict that the impact of increasing temperatures will grow worse, leading to rising sea levels, more flooding, increased drought, and more frequent and intense wildfires.
Colorado is not immune from the impacts of our dependence on fossil fuels. In fact, the Rocky Mountain region could prove especially sensitive to the impacts of global warming.
- Scientists predict that increased temperatures and the accompanying changing weather patterns could reduce Colorado's water supply as precipitation falls as rain, rather than as snow, leading to a thinner snowpack and less water available for a growing population and for agriculture.
- Colorado's tourism industry could also be negatively affected as ski areas, fishing, and other outdoor recreational pursuits are impacted by the changing precipitation patterns.
The predicted effects of global warming could have dramatic impacts on Colorado's economy, our mountains and rivers, and on the quality of life that makes Colorado so special.
Addressing the Challenge of Global Warming
Addressing global warming will require a vision and a commitment that is equal tothe scope of this major challenge. Politicians, policy-makers, governments, and business leaders must act quickly and work cooperatively to avert the most severe consequences of global warming.
Colorado's Response
Colorado has taken several steps to join other states in reducing global warming pollution.
- In 2004, Colorado voters approved a CEC-backed renewable energy standard, Amendment 37, that requires electric utilities to ensure that a portion of the electricity they generate comes from renewable resources like wind and solar.
- In November 2007, Governor Bill Ritter set a statewide goal for cutting global warming pollution by 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.
Yet Colorado must act even more aggressively to implement concrete policies to reduce global warming pollution and to make our state a leader in creating a new, clean energy economy. The Colorado conservation community has developed a comprehensive statewide plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan recommends 16 steps the state must take in the coming years to address global warming, including:
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Increasing energy efficiency and conservation is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable way to reduce consumer's electric bills, reduce energy demand, and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Stronger building codes, appliance efficiency standards, lighting efficiency standards, industrial efficiency standards, and investment in utility-scale efficiency programs are necessary. Efficiency and conservation measures have the potential to help all consumers and in particular to save low income consumers money on their utility bills.
- Increase the Generation of Clean Electricity
Colorado has tremendous capacity for increasing the electricity generated from clean, renewable resources like wind and solar power. Our state should expand the renewable electricity standard and set a clean energy standard that leads to the retirement of polluting coal-fired power plants and stops construction of new coal-fired power plants. Colorado should also create low-cost financing programs to make clean energy affordable and accessible to all Colorado home and business owners.
- Reduce Vehicle Emissions and Miles Traveled
Transportation accounts for 23 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado. Colorado should adopt the Clean Cars Program, already passed in 16 states, which will reduce emissions and speed widespread use of hybrid electric vehicles, require sale of energy-saving tires, reduce growth in vehicle miles traveled, and push the federal government for increased fuel efficiency standards for all vehicles. Our state should also promote land use patterns and transportation investments that reduce the amount that Coloradans have to drive – by providing transit, bike and pedestrian alternatives and by building homes closer to jobs, stores and transit – saving both commute time and tax dollars in the process.
Addressing global warming presents an unprecedented challenge. But by taking simple steps now to increase energy efficiency and conservation, committing to the development of new clean energy production technologies, and reducing emissions in the transportation and electric power generation sectors, we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. In the process, we can avert the most severe impacts that scientists predict. We can protect our air quality and our water supply, and keep our mountains, rivers, and lakes clean for Colorado's residents, visitors, and wildlife.
