On Earth Day, Senate Passes Hansen Bill to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Build a Healthier Colorado

Legislation would help Colorado reach climate goals, improve air quality 

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across several high-emitting sectors of the economy. 

SB22-138, co-sponsored by Senator Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, would help Colorado meet its climate goals, update emissions reduction goals to reflect the growing urgency of the climate crisis, and increase public health and safety by improving air quality.

“On Earth Day each year, we are reminded of the very real impact global warming has on our world, and recommit ourselves to passing good policies to protect our environment and build a sustainable future,” said Hansen. “Today, we’re acting on that commitment by passing a bill that will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and bring our state closer toward meeting our climate goals so we can build a cleaner, healthier Colorado for all.”

The bill would reduce ozone pollution and the “brown cloud” over the Front Range by incentivizing the electrification of lawn and garden equipment through a 30 percent rebate on the purchase price of the equipment. Lawn equipment is responsible for about 20 percent of local ozone pollution. It would also promote investments in, and expand the use of agrivoltaics, which both promotes more efficient land use and reduces greenhouse gas emissions of energy production by co-locating solar power generation with agricultural production.

The legislation would also provide funds for the Department of Agriculture to study carbon reduction and sequestration options, establish intermediate goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and require climate risk assessments for life insurance and pension companies’ and the Public Employees Retirement Association’s investment portfolios. 

Finally, the bill would add a statewide goal of 75 percent emission reduction by 2040 to address the urgency of the climate crisis. 

SB22-138 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.