Colorado Gov. Jared Polis released his strategy to encourage the adoption of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks that his administration feels will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45 percent in that state by 2050.
The administration said the clean truck strategy could also save small businesses billions in truck maintenance and fuel costs.
“We have a(n) historic opportunity to support a transition to clean, zero-emission trucks and buses that will reduce harmful air pollution, make progress on our climate goals, and save fleets millions of dollars a year in fuel costs,” said Will Toor, executive director of the Colorado Energy Office. “We believe that this is an actionable and comprehensive strategic plan for Colorado that can help us jumpstart the market for zero-emission trucks and buses by leveraging new opportunities and funding sources and ensuring our efforts are focused where they can make the greatest difference.”
The administration said the new strategy would help fight climate change, improve air quality and help communities disproportionately impacted by transportation pollution emissions. T Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Study conducted by the state found that most of the owners of medium- and heavy-duty trucks are small businesses. The study found that switching to zero-emission trucks would result in owners saving an estimated $5.8 billion by 2050 from reduced maintenance costs and fuel cost savings.
The study found that accelerating the transition to zero-emission medium- to heavy-duty vehicles could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by those trucks by 45 to 59 percent, reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 54 to 93 percent and reduce particulate matter emissions by 53 to 68 percent below 2005 levels.
The Clean Truck Strategy includes a vision statement focusing on the transition to zero-emission medium- to heavy-duty vehicles; clear goals and objectives for the state to measure progress; a set of 34 actions for state agencies to implement; a focus on implementation and leveraging new opportunities and funding sources; and a hearing to consider adopting rules to reduce pollution from diesel vehicles.
A draft of the strategy is available for public review through April 4. Public webinars on the strategy will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 30 and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 31. Written comments can be sent to the state, as well.