chris hansen
Climate change is hitting Colorado hard every year. How climate change is impacting our landscapes and communities, including increasingly severe wildfires, more extreme and destructive storms, unpredictable growing seasons for farmers, and devastating droughts that threaten water supplies. is unmistakable. And the situation is only going to get worse.
Scientists recently reported that 2023 was the world's hottest year in recorded history. It's clear that we, as legislators and parents, must do better. Colorado legislators were elected to advance the biggest challenges facing our communities. And we have heard loud and clear the calls for action on the climate crisis.
The good news is that this Congress will build on the progress made to date and demonstrate to other states what is possible to prevent the worst consequences of climate change and ensure an equitable transition to clean energy. It means there is an opportunity to do so. I introduced a series of new laws, SB24-207, SB24-212, and SB24-218. If enacted, Colorado would be able to aggressively invest in its local power grid to keep up with population and economic growth, while prioritizing actions such as: Address climate change scarcity.
Stay informed: Sign up for Daily Opinion in your inbox, Monday through Friday.
Colorado is carving its own path to becoming a national leader in climate policy while preserving our state's independent spirit. From accelerating investment in clean energy to strengthening consumer protections and introducing new technologies, the bill signed last year is part of a comprehensive climate strategy that Democrats are proposing this Congress. Combined, this will provide environmental and economic benefits to Coloradans.
My bill to improve greenhouse gas reductions in 2023 will support action by individuals, businesses, and state regulators, and will recognize that all parts of the economy must act to alleviate the climate crisis. recognized and established a multifaceted approach. Crafted as the result of two years of countless discussions with Coloradans who share many diverse perspectives, this legislation will help the state achieve 100% net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. This is an ambitious yet achievable goal that is consistent with global goals. Scientific consensus.
The bill also places an unprecedented price on greenhouse gas emissions and incentivizes the purchase of electric lawn equipment to reduce the use of small but highly polluting fossil fuel-powered engines. It also provides for penalties if power companies are too slow. Incorporate local clean energy projects.
This year, we aim to make further progress. SB24-212 would provide state agencies, at the request of local or tribal governments, with technical support for renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, and coordinate with local experts to develop new developments. requires the development of local regulations of best practices. This initiative ensures the protection of high-priority habitats while providing an avenue for the siting of renewable energy in areas with adequate wind and solar resources.
Giving more people access to renewable energy technologies such as solar power is also a key step in achieving climate change goals. SB24-207 would connect more Coloradans to community solar power and complement the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) historic investment in expanding clean energy technologies signed by President Joe Biden.
Colorado would be well-positioned to benefit from federal incentives. SB24-207 would allow the state of Colorado to leverage hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the IRA to expand access to the clean energy transition, upgrade Colorado's power grid, and provide funding through the Colorado Community Solar Power Program. You'll be in a strong position to reduce your energy costs.
Expanding access to clean energy technologies also requires access to a robust electrical grid. That means Colorado needs to urgently improve its electricity distribution system. His third bill in the package, SB24-218, includes a series of policy changes to build the regional power grid of the future. Upgrading our power distribution systems enables communities and utility consumers to electrify heating and cooling in their buildings, accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and solar energy, and reduce air pollution. Masu.
These policies are being introduced at a critical time for our state. Time is limited, and climate-denying stakeholders are working hard against us and blocking our progress. With just a few weeks left until Governor Jared Polis signs the bill into law, we can't afford to miss this opportunity.
As a father, this work is very personal to me. My job in Congress is about using every tool at my disposal to effect change, and I am always looking for new and innovative ways to move our state forward. I have fought hard to make these urgently needed investments now. These steps will bring our state much closer to addressing the climate crisis and leaving a better planet for my children and yours.
Chris Hansen (Denver Democrat) represents Colorado State Senate District 31.
