In good news for the environment and public health, two more bills designed to address ozone pollution passed the Colorado state legislature on May 8, the last day of the 2023 legislative session.
Once signed into law and implemented, Colorado consumers will be able to enjoy 30% discounts on lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers/”weed wackers” and snow blowers at participating retailers starting in early 2024. Read CoPIRG’s full statement on SB 16 here.
Sponsored by Representatives Bacon and Willford and Senators Gonzales and Winter, the Protecting Communities from Air Pollution Act, HB23-1294, will set up an interim committee to consider further action to address ozone pollution from oil & gas and related sectors, as well as consider reforms to the state’s process of permitting new sources of air pollution. It will also provide more avenues for communities impacted by air pollution to make their voices heard.
Reducing pollution from these sectors are among the nine action areas in CoPIRG’s Ozone Agenda, a package of policy ideas that address ozone across multiple sectors – from lawn and garden equipment to transportation to oil & gas and more.