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DENVER – The Colorado Chamber released the following statement in response to the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) formally withdrawing the Employee Traffic Reduction Program (ETRP) from the rulemaking process this evening:
“This development is welcome news for both businesses and the Coloradans they employ,” said Katie Wolf, Director of State Governmental Affairs for the Colorado Chamber. “The original ETRP proposal raised serious concerns about feasibility and overreach, especially as we look towards an economic recovery following the pandemic. It also would have unfairly disadvantaged hardworking Coloradans with unique commuting needs, from working moms to essential workers. We look forward to working with the commission to find balanced, practical solutions to improving our air without having a detrimental impact on employees and businesses.”
The ETRP program was a regulatory initiative by the AQCC aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting in employee commutes to work. The originally drafted program created mandates surrounding the use of personal vehicles to drive to work, requiring businesses with more than 100 employees in the Front Range to reduce employee trips by 40%. This proposal did not offer any exemptions or considerations for the unique needs of employees, industries, or geographic areas.
In response to strong pushback from businesses across Colorado, the AQCC announced on Monday, July 19, that it would be revising the proposal to a voluntary program.
The commission officially withdrew the proposed rule this evening, indicating that it will be taking a voluntary approach outside of the formal rulemaking process. View the AQCC’s Withdrawal of Proposal by clicking here.
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