Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap 2.0 | |
This week Governor Jared Polis released the updated Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction "Roadmap 2.0". Roadmap 2.0 updates Colorado's emissions forecast and lays out 49 new Near Term Actions — robust next steps to achieve the state's climate action plan goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and make progress toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. | |
The updated Roadmap focuses on cost-effective strategies that will harness new technologies, including geothermal energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture. It centers and prioritizes action based on environmental justice and equity, ensuring benefits are felt in disproportionately impacted communities.
Roadmap 2.0 also contains a new Strategic Growth section in the Near Term Actions, putting a crucial focus on land use patterns, housing and transit investments and transit-oriented development.
| "Colorado has been a national model in bold climate action that improves air quality and protects our precious resources and open spaces. This updated, comprehensive Roadmap continues pushing our state forward in ways that will save Coloradans money, protect our air and water, and ensure a more sustainable future for Colorado," said Polis. | |
Each month we highlight climate wins, news items and actions you can take across the CAP's five sectors. Celebrating our successes and steps taken will help us move the CAP forward together as a community. If you have a climate win or action you would like to share, please email info@routtclimateaction.com. | |
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Climate Win
BUILDING, DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY CONVENES FOR CLEAN ENERGY WORKSHOP
About 60 members of the local building and development industry came together in mid-February to gain the knowledge they need to increase the use of heat pumps and geothermal energy in the Yampa Valley.
The workshop, organized by the Routt County Building Department, featured presentations from Yampa Valley Sustainability Council’s Energy & Transportation professionals Paul Bony and Conner Byrnes, along with Scott Musgrave, Senior Vice President of Orca Energy.
Attendees left the workshop with new knowledge about the financial and carbon emissions reduction benefits of heat pumps, electrification and geothermal, along with background on the reliability of this technology.
A second workshop will be held Tuesday, March 19 from 5-7 p.m. at the Routt County Courthouse BCC Commissioners Room for those unable to attend the first workshop. Email Todd Carr (tcarr@co.routt.co.us) to learn more and RSVP.
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Climate News
DO HEAT PUMPS WORK IN COLD CLIMATES? YES!
One common misconception about heat pumps is that they only work in warmer climates. But that’s actually not true! People living in cold climates from Colorado to Alaska have reported using heat pumps and having them work at full effectiveness at temperatures as low as five degrees Fahrenheit. After that, heat pumps still work, but may need some supplemental heat to maintain home comfort. Cold Climate Air-source heat pumps are designed to achieve 175% efficiency and provide 70% of their rated heating capacity at 5°F.
Heat pumps use cleaner energy than a traditional furnace, and homeowners can still install a secondary heat source if they are concerned about warmth on the coldest days. Check out the guide from Yale Climate Connections to learn more.
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Yampa Valley Sustainability Council Energy & Transportation Director Paul Bony presents during a workshop on heat pumps and geothermal energy at the Routt County Justice Center February 13. | |
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Climate News
YAMPA RIVER FUND GRANTS AVAILABLE
The Yampa River Fund is accepting spring 2024 grant applications now through April 1. The fund will invest in projects that:
- Enhance water security for communities, agriculture, the economy, and the natural environment in the Yampa Valley;
- Support watershed health; and
- Maintain or improve river function through a holistic approach to restoration of riparian and/or in-channel habitat.
Eligible applicants include state and local government entities, public districts and irrigation entities, mutual ditch companies, homeowners associations, and non-profits.
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Action You Can Take
SHARE YOUR VOICE ON LOCAL LAND USE REGULATIONS
Routt County is in the process of revising its subdivision and zoning regulations that could impact future development in areas like Stagecoach, Hayden and West Steamboat. In addition to growth plans, the new regulations will cover topics like waterbody and wetland setbacks, floodplain regulations, protection of important habitats, landscaping guidelines for water conservation and wildfire protection, and requirements for open space.
The county plans to release the draft recommendations March 29, and will be accepting public input on the subject during public listening sessions at 4 p.m. April 15 and 18 at the old Routt County Courthouse. Today is the last day to share your opinions through an online survey linked below.
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A group of volunteers plant trees at Carpenter Ranch along the Yampa River at an October 2023 ReTree event. | |
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Climate Win
E-BIKE TAX CREDITS COMING SOON
Residents can take advantage of a statewide e-bike tax credit starting April 1, offering a $450 discount at the point of sale. The Colorado Energy Office reports that 43 low- to moderate-income residents in Routt County received rebates of $500 to $1,100 for purchasing new e-bikes, with uptake exceeding expectations for the county's population size.
By encouraging the adoption of cleaner transportation modes like e-bikes, Routt County can work towards achieving CAP-identified vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction goals.
| Photo credit: Suzie Romig/Steamboat Pilot | |
FLEET-ZERO PROGRAM ENCOURAGES EV SWITCHING
The State of Colorado’s Fleet-ZERO program will begin accepting grant applications in April. The program offers funding for private, public and nonprofit groups to update their vehicle fleet to be all-electric, with an emphasis on decreasing air pollution for communities around major roadways.
The grant also aims to provide funding for charging for the vehicles in an effort to reduce carbon emissions from transportation throughout the state.
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Action You Can Take
PARTICIPATE IN A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE DRAFT REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (RTA) STUDY
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Routt County, the City of Steamboat Springs and the City of Craig are collaboratively examining the potential advantages of establishing a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) for the Yampa Valley. A draft study was released yesterday to the Steering Committee and will be presented to City Council at a work session on Tuesday, March 12.
On March 20, elected officials from communities within the district will discuss the study and next steps for development of a transportation district. Public are welcome to attend, but there will not be an opportunity for public comment. Public comment will be requested after this meeting.
Date: March 20, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Location: Hayden Center with Hybrid Teams Option (Meeting ID: 237 255 199 307
Passcode: MRKLBi)
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GET ELECTRIC VEHICLE READY MAY 5
As part of the City's efforts to implement its EV Readiness Plan, the City is co-hosting two EV events Sunday May 5 with the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, Yampa Valley Electric Association and Clean Energy Economy for the Region. The events support a CAP goal to increase EV adoption to 20% of registered vehicles by 2030.
1) EV 101 Workshop
Are you curious about EV's? Come learn about the basics of EVs, how they work in our cold climate, charging infrastructure, and rebates.
Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: Howelsen Hill Ice Arena
Contact: Conner Byrnes (conner@yvsc.org)
2) EV Ride and Drive
Test drive a variety of EV car models and learn about the benefits of EVs, such as reduced emissions and lower operating costs.
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Howelsen Hill
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An EV Ambassador shares benefits of electric vehicles with locals at last Spring's EV Ride and Drive event. | |
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Climate News
WINTER WONDERGRASS AIMS FOR ZERO WASTE
One of Steamboat’s largest music events, Winter Wondergrass, is coming to town this weekend. The event will feature performances from over 20 musicians, and aims to be a Zero Waste event. The event planners are coordinating with the City of Steamboat Springs and Minimal Impact, a group that consults with event planners to encourage sustainable decision making throughout the planning process.
Any large event that take place in Steamboat Springs can collaborate with the City to receive funding and consultation to decrease the environmental impact of the event. Event organizers can take initiatives like using reusable drinkware, having manned compost and recycling stations or hiring sustainable vendors, and help the community as a whole to reduce consumption of single-use plastics and other wasteful materials.
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Action You Can Take
WASTE REDUCTION TIP: COMPOST FOOD ONLY
As the technology and resources around waste are constantly changing, it can be hard to keep up with what you can and can’t toss in your compost pail. In Routt County, you should not be tossing paper plates or utensils into the compost bin, even if they are labeled as a “compostable” item.
| These items may still contain small amounts of plastic or other contaminants that can ruin an entire batch of compost. Instead, stick to composting only food items, and opt for reusable plates and utensils to avoid creating that bit of waste entirely. | |
Nothing but food waste and wood chips in Cowgirl Compost CO's pile. | |
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Climate News
NEW SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO SUPPORT CLEAN ECONOMY TRANSITION
The impending closure of the Hayden and Craig coal-fired power plants is a significant win for the climate, but has left local communities reasonably concerned about how they can diversify their economies, replace tax revenues and create new jobs. With the right support, this moment presents an important opportunity for clean economy growth and innovation.
To help meet this need, last week Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced coal transition funding through the Office of Economic Development and International Trade will be used to establish a Small Business Development Center satellite office in Northwest Colorado.
The center will provide business consultation, counseling and training to help existing and new businesses develop innovative plans, access funding opportunities and technical resources, and navigate employment legislation.
The satellite office, in addition to the resources available through the Routt County Economic Development Partnership and Colorado Green Business Network of the Yampa Valley, will play an important role in the development of a clean economy and strong workforce in Northwest Colorado.
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Action You Can Take
JOIN COMMUNITY CLIMATE LEADERS TAPPING INTO A GROWING GREEN BUSINESS MARKET AT MARCH 27 WORKSHOP LUNCHEON
Is your business positioned to capture an increasing consumer base committed to sustainability and social responsibility? Consumers are getting wise to greenwashing and many now look for third-party certification to inform their consumer choices. Recognition through the Colorado Green Business Network offers that third party verification (for free!).
Join Yampa Valley Sustainability Council and the Steamboat Springs Chamber for the second of four ‘Empowering Business Leadership for Climate’ workshop luncheons. Learn about the benefits of state-level recognition and how to earn points to reach Bronze-level certification year one over a FREE LUNCH donated by Hypnotic Chicken.
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Location: Routt County Health and Human Services Community Room, 135 6th Street, Steamboat Springs
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
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Attendees at the first of four 'Empowering Business Leadership for Climate' workshop luncheons held on January 23. | | |
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