The Colorado Governor's Energy Office (GEO) has selected The Climate Trust of Portland, Ore., to implement the Colorado Carbon Fund, a program designed to provide high-quality, verifiable carbon offsets for consumers concerned about climate change.
‘GEO selected The Climate Trust to design its Colorado Carbon Fund and engage individuals, businesses and government agencies in purchasing Colorado-based, verifiable carbon offsets that will reduce their carbon footprint,’ says Tom Plant, GEO director. ‘Carbon offsets are a part of a three-step process for consumers to engage in a sustainable-energy lifestyle. First is measurement of emissions, second is reduction of emissions through efficiency and renewable energy and the third is offset of the remaining emissions through the Colorado Carbon Fund. Taken as a package, the Colorado Carbon Fund's voluntary carbon offsets will help us to meet our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goals from the state's Climate Action Plan.’
The Climate Trust will work with GEO staff to develop the framework for the Colorado Carbon Fund, including defining funding opportunities for in-state offset projects, developing Web-based carbon footprint calculators and creating the offset tracking and retirement system. The official launch of the Colorado Carbon Fund is anticipated for late summer.
The Colorado Carbon Fund will only spend funds on GHG reduction projects that are developed in Colorado. State residents who offset over 50% of their vehicles' emissions will qualify to purchase a ‘Carbon Neutral Colorado’ license plate through legislation recently passed by the Colorado General Assembly.
SOURCE: The Climate Trust
