New Analysis: Colorado cuts per capita greenhouse gas emissions by nearly a third since 2005

DENVER – Colorado was better than the national average in reducing per capita emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gasses between 2005 and 2022, according to a new report released on Wednesday by Environment Colorado Research and Policy Center, CoPIRG Foundation and Frontier Group, though it is below average in its overall GHG reduction. 

According to the analysis of data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Colorado made significant progress in cutting emissions from the power sector. America’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions since 2005 has been largely driven by the retirement of many coal-fired power plants, a trend supported by tougher environmental standards for power plant emissions and growing competition from renewable energy and other forms of power generation. 

However, since 2005, Colorado emissions from the transportation sector have increased by 7% and residential emissions—primarily from burning fossil fuels to heat homes and the water they use—have jumped up 23%.  

“Our progress in reducing per capita greenhouse gas emissions is cause for excitement, especially with our leadership in closing coal fired power plants and replacing them with wind and solar renewable energy,” said Annika Antholis, campaign associate with Environment Colorado. “These numbers show there’s also room for improvement, particularly when it comes to our transportation system and how we heat our homes. The fight to lower emissions is far from over.” 

Nationally, the United States reduced its overall greenhouse gas emissions by 15% and its per capita emissions by 25%. Colorado cut overall emissions by 10% and per capita emissions by 29%. The United States has made a commitment to reduce emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, which means even leading states will have to step up their emission reduction efforts, particularly given new uncertainty around federal leadership on climate. 

“The data reinforces that we still have work to do. Thankfully, in the last two years Colorado’s Governor and legislature have been focused on the right strategies – transitioning to zero-emissions electric vehicles, making historic investments in expanding clean transit options and helping people move to cleaner heat,” said Danny Katz, executive director of CoPIRG Foundation. “The benefits go beyond tackling climate change. A combination of energy efficiency investments, rooftop solar, electric vehicles, better bus and train service and more heat pumps in homes also help cut ozone pollution and reduce our exposure to gas, improving our health and our quality of life.”

Colorado’s increase in residential and transportation sector emissions is likely in part because the state saw a 26% increase in population between 2005 and 2022, the 6th largest population increase during this time period. Most homes in Colorado are heated by gas and most cars are fueled by gas.  

As the end of the year approaches, the two groups highlighted the many ways Coloradans can use tax credits to help them cut the cost of electric vehicles and transition to gas-free homes.