The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission voted Friday to approve a regulatory proposal on Zero Emission Vehicles.
The new vehicle standard requires 5 percent of automakers’ sellable inventory be zero-emission vehicles by 2023 and 6 percent by 2025. If automakers offer more zero emissions prior to 2023, they will receive a credit.
The proposal has the support of numerous agencies and organizations including the Association of Global Automakers, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Colorado Energy Office, the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
“With transportation on track to become the number one source of emissions in Colorado, we must reduce congestion on the road and pollution in the air,” Shoshana Lew, CDOT executive director, said. “With the adoption of this rule, government and industry will work together to achieve a win-win, by making cleaner vehicle choices available to Coloradans consumers sooner. We are grateful to the automakers for working with us to reach agreement on a negotiated Zero Emissions Vehicle rule — the first of its kind in any state.”
Some organizations, such as the Colorado Auto Dealers Association, believe the standard will make vehicles more expensive.
The proposal does not require customers to purchase zero emission vehicles.