Colorado's Air: Strategies For Pollution Reduction

Colorado is facing a serious air quality problem, with the state repeatedly failing to meet federal standards for safe and healthy air. The state's air pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including factories, vehicles, buildings, homes, fossil fuel power generators, and oil and gas operations. Denver, the state's capital and most populous city, is particularly affected by air pollution, with the Comanche Generating Station being the largest offender. To address this issue, Colorado has implemented various measures, such as the Air Pollution Control Division's High Pollution Advisory Program and the new set of emissions rules finalized in 2020. However, more needs to be done to improve air quality and reduce the harmful impacts on human health, wildlife, and national parks. This includes implementing new policies and regulations, as well as transitioning to more sustainable energy sources.

Reducing personal emissions and vehicle usage

Colorado has a serious air pollution problem, with Denver being the 12th most polluted US city by ozone, according to the American Lung Association. The main sources of air pollution in Colorado are factories, vehicles, buildings, homes, and fossil fuel power generators. Ground-level ozone, a result of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds reacting under ultraviolet light, is a particular issue.

To reduce personal emissions and vehicle usage, individuals can make a difference by doing their part to improve air quality. This can be achieved by reducing outdoor exertion during high pollution periods, especially for sensitive individuals, and by reducing personal emissions to decrease ozone production. Combining or skipping car trips can positively impact air quality, and there are other simple solutions that individuals can implement to fit their lifestyles. For example, during an Action Day for ozone, it is recommended to avoid rigorous outdoor activity during the heat of the day.

The state of Colorado is also taking steps to reduce vehicle emissions. The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission has implemented a new set of emissions rules to bring Denver into compliance with federal ozone pollution standards. Additionally, the state is expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, providing fleet electrification incentives, supporting the electrification of public transport, and improving traffic flow to reduce congestion in cities.

There are also initiatives to remove older vehicles from the roads, such as the Clear the Air Foundation, which has taken 4,000 older, more polluting cars off the road since 2011. Furthermore, advancements in automobile manufacturing and new technology have led to cleaner gas-powered vehicles, with modern passenger cars being 98-99% cleaner for most exhaust pollutants compared to those from the 1960s.

Implementing indoor burning restrictions

Colorado has a serious air quality problem, with the state repeatedly failing to meet federal standards for healthy, breathable air. The main sources of air pollution in Colorado are factories, vehicles, buildings, homes, and fossil fuel power generators.

One way to tackle this issue is by implementing indoor burning restrictions. During Action Days, when air quality is deemed unhealthy or expected to worsen, indoor burning restrictions are put in place to limit burning to approved devices only. These restrictions are mandatory and aim to reduce the impact of indoor burning on air quality.

To further improve indoor air quality, it is recommended that residents close doors and windows during periods of moderate to poor air quality to prevent the ingress of polluted air into their homes. This is especially important in Denver, where temperature inversions during the winter months can trap cold, polluted air near the ground, leading to higher pollution levels.

While indoor burning restrictions are an important tool, they are just one part of a comprehensive approach to improving air quality in Colorado. Other measures include reducing personal emissions, transitioning to sustainable energy sources, and implementing new emissions rules and regulations. By combining these efforts, Colorado can make significant strides towards cleaner air and a healthier environment for its residents and wildlife.

Phasing out coal-fired power plants

Colorado is slowly phasing out its coal-fired electrical power plants, despite them generating a third of the state's total in-state energy generation in 2023. The Colorado Department of Labor and Energy reports that 10 coal-fired units remain operational throughout the state. One of these is scheduled to close by the end of 2025, with the remaining nine units set to close by the end of 2031.

The phase-out of coal-fired power plants in Colorado is part of a broader transition towards cleaner energy sources. In 2019, the Colorado General Assembly passed the Colorado Just Transition Action Plan, which made a moral commitment to support a just and inclusive transition away from coal for workers and communities that have relied on the coal industry. This transition is expected to be challenging, as it will impact the livelihoods of those employed in the coal industry and the communities that depend on it economically. However, the state is committed to assisting those affected through initiatives like the Office of Just Transition and the Just Transition Advisory Committee.

The move away from coal is also driven by the need to reduce air pollution and address climate change. Coal-fired power plants are significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution, which has severe health and environmental impacts. Colorado has set a goal of 100% clean electricity generation by 2040 and is encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources. While some advocates are skeptical of the transition, particularly the replacement of coal plants with natural gas-fueled power plants, the state is committed to finding innovative solutions to protect the health and well-being of its citizens and the environment.

To facilitate the phase-out of coal-fired power plants, Colorado has implemented several measures. These include finalising a set of emissions rules in 2020 to bring the Denver metro area into compliance with federal ozone pollution standards and proposing charges on delivery and ride-hailing companies to fund initiatives such as expanding electric vehicle infrastructure and supporting the electrification of public transport. Additionally, one of the largest operators of power plants in Colorado has committed to increasing its use of sustainable energy and shutting down two of the largest power units in Pueblo before 2025.

Overall, the phasing out of coal-fired power plants in Colorado is a complex process that involves balancing economic, environmental, and social considerations. The state is taking a proactive approach by investing in clean energy solutions, addressing air pollution, and prioritising a just transition for affected communities.

Cleaning up oil and gas pollution

Colorado has a serious air quality problem, with pollution levels exceeding federal standards for healthy and safe breathing. The state's air quality is impacted by various factors, including factories, vehicles, buildings, homes, and fossil fuel power generators. However, the oil and gas industry is the leading source of many types of air pollution, including ground-level ozone, greenhouse gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

To address this issue, Colorado has implemented several measures to reduce pollution from the oil and gas sector:

• Phasing out fracking: Fracking contaminates communities with toxic chemicals in the air and water and consumes a significant amount of fresh water, making it toxic. By phasing out fracking, Colorado can achieve cleaner air and water statewide.
• Adopting nation-leading standards: In 2024, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission introduced a groundbreaking rule to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from midstream oil and gas operations, including compressor stations and processing plants. This rule specifically targets emissions from fuel combustion equipment, such as engines, turbines, and heaters.
• Promoting clean energy: Colorado is a leader in the clean energy economy, and companies are transitioning to sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power. This shift will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
• Regulatory enforcement: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has the authority to enforce cleanups at sites that release hazardous waste. Facilities must investigate and remediate releases, following the Colorado hazardous waste regulations. Non-compliance can result in compliance orders and legal consequences.
• Emission rules and incentives: Colorado has implemented emissions rules and incentives to reduce pollution from vehicles and promote the adoption of electric vehicles. This includes charging delivery companies and ride-hailing services per delivery or trip, respectively, to encourage the reduction of vehicle emissions.

By implementing these measures, Colorado is taking significant steps towards cleaning up oil and gas pollution and improving the air quality for its citizens and the environment. These initiatives not only reduce air pollutants but also contribute to addressing climate change and protecting the state's natural treasures, such as national parks.

Reducing congestion in cities

Colorado has a serious air pollution problem, with Denver ranked as the 12th most polluted US city by ground-level ozone. This is caused by a variety of factors, including emissions from vehicles, factories, homes, and fossil fuel power generators.

To reduce congestion in cities, and thus tackle vehicle emissions, Colorado has implemented a new set of emissions rules. These include:

• Expanding electric-vehicle charging infrastructure.
• Providing fleet-electrification incentives to be distributed by the state health department.
• Supporting the electrification of public transport.
• Improving traffic flow to reduce congestion.

The state has also set limits on greenhouse gas emissions, ordering cuts to 62 million tons before 2030 and 13 million tons before 2050. To achieve these targets, Colorado is encouraging the use of sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power, with plans to shut down two of the largest power units in Pueblo by 2025.

In addition to state-led initiatives, individuals can play a role in improving air quality. For example, by reducing personal emissions, such as by combining or skipping car trips, individuals can help decrease ozone production. During periods of high pollution, it is recommended that individuals avoid rigorous outdoor activity and close doors and windows to prevent dirty air from entering their homes.

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