Colorado Takes Aim on Climate Change

Governor Ritter today announced a groundbreaking plan to fight climate change, Colorado-style.

The plan calls for a 20% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050. But it doesn't end there.

Governor Ritter's plan also details the path to get there. The plan calls for the adoption of clean car rules, the adoption of comprehensive greenhouse gas reporting rules, for utilities to report to the Public Utilities Commission how they will achieve a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, calls on the state to work to reduce methane, a potent greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide, from oil and gas drilling, and calls for even more.

That's a lot to call for, but then again, climate change poses an unprecedented threat to our planet.

Oh, and don't be mistaken. The Governor's plan isn't because of environmentalists (their press releases notwithstanding). It's because people around the world, including in Colorado, are demanding our leaders take action on climate change. It's because people everywhere are realizing that if we don't act now, we stand to lose a whole planet.

It's because of the people of Colorado that Governor Ritter has taken strong action to reduce greenhouse gases in Colorado.