Commentary: Colorado Will Forge Ahead With Conservation Work

According to an article by Sammy Herdman in Colorado Newsline, Colorado voters and policymakers remain concerned about environmental issues, signaling that conservation work in the state will continue despite potential changes in federal policy.

Fortunately for Colorado, progress toward mitigating climate change is statutory in the state. In 2019, the Colorado Legislature passed a law mandating the implementation of policies to achieve the state’s emission reduction goals, which include 50% by 2030, and 100% by 2050, compared to 2005 levels.

Federal priorities outlined in Project 2025 could threaten Colorado public lands that conservationists have fought for decades to protect, such as the Thompson Divide. However, many of the changes needed to reverse conservation policy and pollution standards would be difficult or time-consuming to pass.

For Herdman, the state doesn’t need to backslide in its progress. “Although the Trump administration received the mandate of most American voters — by a slim plurality — Coloradans have not given the mandate to renege on climate commitments, public lands protections, and regulations to protect clean air.”