Colorado and Chamber launch group to speed permitting for reduced emissions projects

DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Tuesday the creation of a working group aimed at streamlining permitting for projects designed to reduce emissions from manufacturing, energy production and other industrial sectors.

The group will include representatives from state agencies, businesses and environmental organizations and will focus on identifying ways to accelerate permitting for projects involving electrification, low-emission manufacturing, energy transmission and other emissions-reduction efforts.

“Manufacturing, energy production and transmission play an important role in Colorado’s economy,” Polis said. “By streamlining permitting and cutting red tape, we can use innovation to reduce emissions.”

The announcement follows a directive issued by Polis in April instructing state agencies to work with stakeholders to identify ways to accelerate electrification and reduce emissions, including speeding permitting reviews for qualifying projects.

Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman said collaboration between industry, government and environmental groups is needed to address environmental challenges while supporting economic growth.

“We appreciate the governor’s leadership in encouraging state agencies to engage with stakeholders, and we look forward to working together to advance balanced solutions that reduce emissions and support economic growth,” Furman said.

The working group stems in part from recommendations made by the Colorado Chamber’s Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action Task Force, which examined opportunities to reduce emissions while maintaining economic competitiveness.

Participants include business leaders from commercial building, oil and gas, manufacturing, waste management, utility and transportation industries. Environmental organizations represented include the Clean Air Task Force, The Nature Conservancy and RMI.

State agencies participating in the effort include the Air Pollution Control Division, Colorado Energy Office, Department of Local Affairs, Energy and Carbon Management Commission, Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Public Utilities Commission and the Governor’s Office.

The group will meet monthly and focus on improving permitting processes, increasing regulatory certainty and identifying opportunities to support emissions-reduction projects while meeting growing energy demand.

According to the governor’s office, Colorado now generates a majority of its electricity from clean energy sources, a milestone officials said the new effort will seek to build upon.