Health Department leads Colorado agencies in gathering feedback to enhance local and state coordination to reduce pollution and invest in energy infrastructure
In collaboration with several state agencies, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Air Pollution Control Division has published a report following its statewide climate change listening tour. During sessions, Colorado residents shared their experiences with climate change and discussed opportunities for state and local collaboration. The state completed the tour to make sure everyone has a seat at the table and their ideas are heard. The state included their feedback in Colorado’s plans to further address climate change.
“Whether it’s actions by the governor in partnership with the legislature or through all our agencies, the state has already been working hard to implement measures to manage the critical issue of climate change, but we know there’s more we can do,” said Trisha Oeth, director of environmental health and protection at CDPHE. “We held these listening sessions to meet people where they are at, in their communities, and we’re turning that feedback into action. We heard directly from underrepresented and historically disproportionately impacted communities.”
“Governor Polis is focused on transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2040 and we are well on our way so it’s important that we hear from residents about their experiences and concerns to ensure that the renewable energy economy works for all Coloradans,” said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. “This listening tour provided valuable insight to help us develop an energy economy that is not only cleaner, but also prioritizes equity and justice for Colorado’s disproportionately impacted communities.”
Between April and June of 2022, state staff held two virtual and seven in-person sessions in Greeley, Aurora, Montrose, Durango, Pueblo, Trinidad, and Lamar. The Air Pollution Control Division led the project, with involvement from the department’s Environmental Justice Program and other state agencies. Those include the Colorado Energy Office, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and the Public Utilities Commission. A local non-profit organization facilitated the workshops and prepared the report published today. To reach a wider audience, staff offered Spanish interpretation during all sessions and provided written materials in both English and Spanish. About 120 Coloradans in total participated.
During the workshops, participants prioritized issue areas most important to their particular community. They discussed prioritizing policies in several sectors, including energy, public health, housing, agriculture, water, and transportation. Participants also discussed strategies to address climate change. Across Colorado, the following main strategies emerged:
• Education and outreach. Participants saw opportunities for a greater emphasis on education about the impacts of climate change. Participants also saw opportunities for more outreach on local, state, and federal incentives and programs to invest in solutions that reduce pollution and reduce energy costs.
• Environmental justice. Many community members wanted to see continued attention to communities historically overburdened by air pollution. This aligns with state law and the federal government’s Justice40 Initiative.
• Holistic and tailored solutions. Participants wanted to see solutions that further bridge local priorities with state programs, recognizing the differing needs between communities across Colorado.
The state has already begun taking action on recommendations from the climate change listening sessions. For example, the state incorporated community input in its priority action plan. It is available in both English and Spanish. The state will continue to update the priority action plan and make adjustments as needed. Feedback from these listening sessions will also help inform the update to the Greenhouse Gas Roadmap. The state will offer more opportunities to get involved in developing the new roadmap and other plans to address climate change.
For a more detailed summary of the tour and a complete breakdown of each workshop, see the full report on the Air Pollution Control Division’s website. It is available in both English and Spanish.
Source: Colorado Office of Communications
