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Colorado commission approves adopting California emissions standards

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DENVER – Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission has voted 8-0, with one recusal, to adopt California’s Low Emission Vehicle standards for our state.

The new regulations set the goal of reducing emissions for all new light-duty and medium-duty vehicles made after 2022. Under the rules, the new vehicles must meet a 36 mpg standard by 2025.

A light-duty vehicle is defined as any car or truck with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 pounds. A medium-duty vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating between 10,0001 pounds and 26,000 pounds. These definitions include almost every four-wheel or more vehicle on the road other than commercial trucks and some buses.

Thirteen other states and the District of Columbia have adopted California’s standards allowed under The Clean Air Act. The federal government adopted a similar standard in 2012 which President Trump announced his intention to roll back earlier this year.

Governor John Hickenlooper signed an executive order committing the state to California’s standards back in June. The Air Quality Control Commission is made up of members appointed by the governor.

The order called for a statewide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by more than 26% by 2025. “We can achieve this goal by harnessing technological advancements in the clean energy field and implementing cost-effective strategies that reduce our emissions while protecting our vibrant economy,” stated Hickenlooper.

Critics of this change in state policy argue it will raise the price of cars. Supporters say lower vehicle emissions standards will save drivers money at the pump.

News5’s Sam Kraemer will have more on the potential impact on Colorado’s environment and your wallet, tonight on News5 at 10 p.m.