Climate Change Is Real in Colorado: EPA Denial of Science Comes at Major Costs

Strategic Insights -

Climate change is having a profound impact on Colorado communities, with the state experiencing its worst fires in history and extreme weather events causing widespread destruction. Despite the EPA's denial of the reality of climate change, the state of Colorado is taking bold steps to achieve its ambitious clean energy goals and reduce emissions. Governor Jared Polis has made it clear that the state will continue to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens, even in the face of federal denialism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump administration's EPA has repealed the 16-year-old "Endangerment Finding," which determined that greenhouse gas pollution poses a threat to public health and welfare.
  • The repeal of the Endangerment Finding will result in more extreme weather and natural disasters, hurting Colorado communities.
  • Colorado is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, including skyrocketing homeowner's insurance costs due to increased hail and fire claims.
  • The state has seen the three largest fires in its history, with the most destructive fires occurring in the last five years.
  • Governor Jared Polis has vowed to continue achieving Colorado's ambitious clean energy goals to save people money on energy bills, reduce emissions, and improve air quality and health.
  • The economic costs of climate-related disasters in the United States were $27 billion in 2024, with higher temperatures increasing the risk of illness and medical emergencies.
  • Climate change is negatively impacting all aspects of life in Colorado, including homes, jobs, and crops.

Statistics:

  • $27 billion: The economic costs of weather- and climate-related disasters in the United States in 2024.
  • 2024: The year in which the United States experienced $27 billion in weather- and climate-related disasters.
  • 16 years: The duration of the Endangerment Finding, which was repealed by the Trump administration's EPA.
  • 45%: The increase in homeowner's insurance costs for Coloradans in recent years due to increased hail and fire claims.
  • 2024: The year in which Colorado saw its most destructive fires in the past five years.

Sources:

  • Gov. Jared Polis, "Climate Change Is Real in Colorado: EPA Denial of Science Comes at Major Costs" (July 29)