The bill sponsors are running a compromise bill. After more than two weeks of negotiations with the governor’s office, Senator Winter and Representative Jackson are running a bill that makes progress on and holds the state accountable to, many of the carbon pollution reduction goals in the governor’s Climate Roadmap. The bill is a combination of elements of SB 200 and HB 1266 (the “environmental justice definitions” bill).
This bill reduces pollution and increases environmental justice. From the beginning, the sponsors have been adamant that the bill must be enforceable, verifiable, and equitable. And this bill is – It includes those requirements for three key sectors (electric, oil and gas, and industrial). It also strengthens the environmental justice provisions of SB-200.
Our coalition is made up of more than 100 organizations. This coalition is like nothing we have seen before in Colorado. It currently includes 112 (and counting) environmental, racial justice, public health, outdoor recreation, business, youth, and community groups. This coalition is not going anywhere and is now even more committed to work for climate action in the legislature, state agencies, cities, and communities across the state.
Climate leadership requires ongoing action. Some important components of Senate Bill 200 were not included, including pollution reductions in the largest sector- transportation – and the building sector. There are opportunities to continue to put the governor’s Climate Roadmap into law in the near future, including via four rulemakings at the Air Quality Control Commission this year