Colorado Dems Focus on Climate, Water, & Public Lands; Differences?

By 2030, Colorado aims to generate over 80% of its energy from renewable sources, and by 2050, the state plans to achieve 100% net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The state’s emissions reduction targets are a major priority for both Colorado gubernatorial candidates, Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser. However, the two Democrats have had some difficulty in distinguishing their policies from each other.

Bennet has represented Colorado as a senator since 2009, while Weiser has served as the state’s attorney general since 2019.

Strategies for Emission Reduction

Bennet has worked with the Biden administration on the Inflation Reduction Act, which is a landmark climate legislation that allocates billions of dollars for renewable energy and infrastructure. However, he expressed concern about the Trump administration’s clawbacks of these funds. He also advocated for the continuation of agricultural conservation programs.

Bennet envisions Colorado joining states like California, Washington, and Canada in implementing a cap-and-invest program. This program would place strict limits on greenhouse gas emissions and require businesses to pay for their emissions, thereby incentivizing greener practices.

Despite not opposing a cap-and-invest program, Weiser argued that Bennet lacks sufficient information about the potential costs and implementation techniques of such a program in Colorado. Instead, Weiser wants to expand the state’s existing renewable infrastructure.

He aims to ensure that solar and storage providers have access to the grid and are able to bring competition and innovation. Weiser also highlighted the progress made by the state’s rural electric co-ops in moving towards 100% renewable energy.

Climate and Water Usage Issues

Colorado is facing a historic drought and is yet to reach an agreement with six other states on how to share the Colorado River after 2026.

Both candidates are in consensus about the difficulty of committing to further cuts in water usage due to climate change-induced reductions in Colorado’s water supply. However, Bennet suggested a voluntary water conservation program, provided it is adequately funded.

Weiser emphasized the importance of infrastructure investments beyond reservoir storage and highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to water conservation.

Preserving Public Lands

Weiser pledged to oppose the Trump administration’s attempts to privatize and reduce protections for public lands. Bennet, on the other hand, defended his record on public lands and highlighted his ability to work across party lines to address climate, water, and public lands issues.

The Democratic primary election is slated for June 30th. Voters can find information on how to return and track their ballots at GoVoteColorado.gov.