DENVER (August 16, 2019)—The state of Colorado has adopted a new Zero-Emission Vehicles program, joining ten other states in requiring automakers to bring more electric vehicles to market. That’s an important step for building a clean transportation future, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Michelle Robinson, director of the Clean Transportation Program at UCS.
“The future of transportation is electric. The shift to electric vehicles cuts oil use, reduces global warming pollution and saves drivers money, boosting the local economy. By joining the ranks of Zero-Emissions Vehicle states, Colorado is acknowledging those benefits and helping to spur a strong electric vehicle market.
“This new policy is a small but positive step that will help Colorado drivers take advantage of the benefits of electric vehicles. We know that electric vehicles are cheaper to fuel and maintain, especially for rural drivers, and cut global warming emissions in half relative to comparable gasoline cars. Transportation is the biggest source of global warming pollution in the U.S.—we can only make progress on climate change if we tackle transportation. In the absence of strong federal climate policy, states need to step up. Colorado is moving in the right direction.”
A recent survey by UCS and Consumer Reports shows strong interest in electric vehicles in Colorado, with 39 percent of respondents considering an electric vehicle for their next purchase and majority support for policies that would help Coloradans drive electric. The survey showed 74 percent of Coloradans want automakers to bring more electric models to the market, including SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans.