Colorado statement on voluntary proposal working with automakers to bring more electric vehicles to the State

DENVER — Today, Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shoshana Lew, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Executive Director Jill Hunsacker Ryan and Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor issued the following statement:

“We thank automakers and dealers for their commitment to expanding the electric vehicle market in Colorado. Over the past four weeks, we have had numerous conversations about opportunities, challenges, and the intricate nature of the rapidly-evolving electric vehicle market. The depth of these conversations and identification of common objectives will prove invaluable as we work together to provide cleaner options for Coloradans.

“Despite good faith efforts by all parties, we were unable to reach agreement on a voluntary approach that could be considered as a potential alternative to the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) standard. However, we believe the insights we have gained will inform and benefit the rulemaking process, as well as our implementation strategy, so we can see more zero emission vehicles move from the factory floor to dealer showrooms to customers all across Colorado.

“We appreciate the ongoing collaboration from all parties, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Association of Global Automakers’ stated commitment to working constructively with the State of Colorado and other parties through the rulemaking process. Under the Clean Air Act, a ZEV rule adopted by Colorado will be effective in Calendar Year 2022. However, we are optimistic that ongoing dialog with automakers through the rulemaking process will make more electric vehicle models available to Coloradans as soon as next year.”