On Tuesday, Colorado became the latest state — and the first in the Rocky Mountain region — to commit to fighting climate change.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed an executive order that directs the state to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 26 percent by 2025 — enough to meet or exceed expectations from the Paris Climate Accord. Hickenlooper also announced that Colorado will join the U.S. Climate Alliance. That group formed in reaction to President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
Hickenlooper’s executive order also sets goals for reducing emissions from the electricity sector and promoting renewable energy. The Colorado Climate Plan will be updated by Oct. 1.
Also Tuesday, Pitkin County commissioners heard an update about work to create a climate action plan, which is focused on reducing emissions.