Michael’s “Cap-and-Invest” plan will cut emissions, lower costs, and reinvest in Colorado communities
Denver, CO — Today, gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet announced his “Colorado Clean Air, Affordable Energy” Plan. This plan will ensure Colorado continues to be a national leader in the fight against climate change, while making energy affordable for families and predictable for businesses.
As Colorado’s energy demand grows, continuing the same status quo policies won’t help us meet our ambitious goals. As Governor, Michael will bring together local governments, environmental leaders, businesses, labor, and communities to build a durable, statewide approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while fostering a strong and competitive business environment.
“We owe it to our kids and grandchildren to take real action towards reaching net-zero as fast as we can while lowering costs,” said Michael. “I believe Colorado can be a leader in building a future that protects our environment, makes life more affordable for our families, and supports our businesses. But to do that, we need to move beyond the status quo and embrace new, proven, and innovative strategies. By bringing the environmental community, business community, and labor together, my Clean Air, Affordable Energy plan will help us meet our goals while cutting costs for families.”
As Governor, Michael will work with a broad coalition of environmental, business, and labor leaders across Colorado to:
- Tackle climate change while making energy affordable by placing a clear, enforceable cap on emissions
- Give businesses a predictable path to cut emissions, and
- Reinvest revenues earned from the program in lowering bills, supporting clean energy technology and jobs, and building healthier communities.
This plan represents part of a comprehensive energy and climate agenda that Michael will announce later in the campaign.
Michael’s ambitious plan to cap emissions and reinvest in local communities has earned the support of environmental organizations, local businesses, and community leaders.
“As one of the few solar-powered steel mills in the world, Orion Rocky Mountain Steel is proud to lead the way in low-carbon manufacturing. We take seriously our responsibility to operate sustainably and strengthen Colorado’s industrial economy. Senator Bennet’s cap and invest proposal creates a smart, market-based pathway for reducing emissions while allowing innovative manufacturers like ours to participate in carbon credit markets. We welcome policies that reward forward-thinking companies and support a cleaner future for Colorado,” said Orion Rocky Mountain Steel Mills.
“A program modeled around cap-and-invest like Senator Bennet’s new plan isn’t just Colorado’s best tool to tackle climate pollution– it’s also a way to save money for working families and improve energy affordability,” said Pam Kiely, Associate Vice President, EDF Action. “The Colorado Clean Air, Affordable Energy Program is exactly the kind of bold leadership that we need and that Coloradans are demanding.”
“IBEW endorsed Sen. Bennet for Governor because he understands that workers need to be at the table to solve the challenges related to businesses complying with our state’s climate policy while also encouraging robust economic development,” said Zach Esquibel, Business Manager for IBEW Local 68. “We look forward to helping to develop the details of this policy to promote more work and training opportunities for our members.”
“Michael’s bold policy idea of introducing the framework of “cap & invest” is a serious, pragmatic and progressive step forward for both climate action and improved quality of life. In today’s divided world, it’s a smart idea that can unite both industry and environmental champions. This is a globally-proven policy that caps pollution and invests the dollars to benefit real people living real lives. I’ve known Michael personally and professionally for decades and there are few other national leaders with a deeper commitment to meaningful, responsible and achievable climate action. He knows that this policy is the most effective, affordable and pragmatic way to truly decarbonize Colorado’s economy in the long run,” said Reuven Carlyle, founder of Earth Finance.
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