Colorado Mandates Major Gas Utility Carbon Cuts

Colorado has established a landmark climate goal for its gas utilities, requiring a 41% reduction in carbon pollution from 2015 levels by 2035. This decision by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission significantly exceeds the utilities' proposals and aligns with the state's objective to decarbonize by 2050.

The mandate is part of Colorado's pioneering clean-heat law, which encourages utilities to find emission-free ways to deliver heat. While options include alternative fuels, the commission's prior findings suggest that weatherization and all-electric appliances like heat pumps are the most cost-effective solutions.

This move establishes a precedent for other states like Massachusetts and Maryland, which are also developing clean-heat standards. The ambitious target is expected to avoid millions of metric tons of greenhouse gases and improve public health by reducing air pollutants.