Colorado to see more electric vehicles as state joins Zero Emission Vehicle program

You're likely to see more electric cars on Colorado's roads in the next few years, and that means less smog-causing and climate-changing pollution.

You’re likely to see more electric cars on Colorado’s roads in the next few years, and that means less smog-causing and climate-changing pollution.

On Aug. 16, Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission voted 8 to 1 in favor of joining California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program. The new policy requires automakers to ensure that an increasing percentage of vehicles offered in-state are electric-powered. The mandate will help reduce ozone pollution and greenhouse gas exhaust in a state where smog-alert days are too common and transportation is expected to account for a quarter of carbon emissions by 2020. CoPIRG backed the vote and delivered petitions favoring the move signed by 6,200 supporters.

In a state that experiences regular “bad-air” days, CoPIRG Director Danny Katz says “Joining the Zero Emission Vehicle program will cut air pollution… and quicken our transition to a cleaner, electric-powered transportation system.”

Colorado is the eleventh state to adopt California’s ZEV standards.

Read the press release.

Photo: CoPIRG Director Danny Katz (center) stands with supporters of adopting California’s Zero Emission Vehicle program in Colorado. Credit: Staff