Yesterday, Governor Ritter released his Climate Change Action Plan (see the plan) that calls for an overall reduction in Colorado’s global warming pollution 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050. 

As a part of the Governor’s plan, Colorado would place stronger standards on new vehicles sold in Colorado, standards that 12 other states, including California are now set to implement. The article in today’s Rocky (see article) covering Governor Ritter’s announcement gives substantial attention to the propaganda now being spouted by the Colorado Auto Dealers Association. 

The Association would like consumers to believe a Clean Cars program would be bad for Colorado by reducing their choice and costing them money.  This argument is misleading and not supported by research. 

Stronger standards would not eliminate or limit the availability of trucks and SUVs, it would merely provide greater availability of vehicles that get more to the gallon.  With current gas prices and a future of rising energy costs, ensuring the availability of more fuel economy in our vehicles is providing a protection for Colorado consumers and stands to save them hundreds of millions of dollars per year. And let us not forget that if it had not been for legislatively mandated standards, our vehicles may never have had seatbelts or catalytic converters – successful vehicle improvements that have saved lives and limited air pollution.

Over the coming months, there is no doubt the Colorado Auto Dealers Association will continue their attempt at scaring and ultimately deceiving Coloradans.  Luckily, the citizens of Colorado have found a friend in the Governor and other organizations that are working to provide greater choice to consumers and address the growing problem of global warming.