The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced Thursday that it would be giving residents additional time to comment on a proposed air pollution reduction planning standard.
The new standard, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from the transportation sector, improve air quality, reduce smog and provide more travel options for Coloradans, will have an additional 34 days for the public to give their feedback on.
The proposed standard would require the state and its five Metropolitan Planning Organizations to determine the total pollution and greenhouse gas emission increases or decreases expected from future projects and take steps to ensure those levels do not exceed set reduction amounts.
“Between the recent smoke-filled air and the extreme weather that caused devastating mudslides in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado has received powerful reminders of the importance of taking bold climate action as it continues to threaten our economy and Colorado way of life,” said Gov. Jared Polis. “Transportation is our largest source of air pollutants, and this standard will help ensure that Coloradans have every possible ability to make a difference.”
The standard builds on the state’s effort to deploy electric vehicles by supporting transportation systems that improve transit, biking, and walking options. The focus, the department said, is on large transportation projects that would fundamentally change the system to be more environmentally friendly.
The proposed system would take an estimated 300,000 cars off the road for a year, the equivalent of not burning 169 million gallons of gasoline. The benefit of fewer cars on the road would directly improve air quality and reduce pollutants that cause ozone and smog, the department said.
Over the past 60 days, CDOT has hosted nine public hearings across the state. The additional time will provide Coloradans with more opportunities to submit testimony either virtually or in written submissions.
This week, the CDOT plans on releasing a revised proposal that incorporates feedback received so far. The public will have until Nov. 18 at noon to make additional comments.
At their meeting in December, the Transportation Commission is expected to consider the new proposed standard. If adopted, the standard will formally take effect in 2022, per the Administrative Procedure Act.