Going Green: How Much Has BOCO Improved in 25 Years?

In the early 2000s, Boulder County began implementing sustainability-focused policies that laid the foundation for modern climate initiatives. Programs such as the Keep It Clean Partnership (KICP) and the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) were developed to promote water conservation and sustainable land use. The county also introduced zero waste policies and renewable energy incentives, aiming to transition away from fossil fuels. While these early initiatives were progressive for their time, they primarily focused on incremental improvements rather than transformative change.

Over the past decade, Boulder County has increased its focus on climate action, renewable energy adoption, and stricter environmental regulations. Some of the most notable advancements include the following:

• Implementation of several key environmental policies over the years to address climate change and promote sustainability. One of the most significant initiatives was the Climate Action Plan Tax, introduced in 2006. As the first tax of its kind in the United States, the county has played a crucial role in funding renewable energy projects and energy efficiency initiatives, helping to reduce the county’s carbon footprint.
• In 2018, Boulder County committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieving a 90% reduction by 2050. These ambitious targets aim to transition the county toward a net-zero emissions future by relying on cleaner energy sources and more sustainable community practices.
• In 2020, Boulder County strengthened its environmental policies by adopting one of the strictest oil and gas setback laws in Colorado. This law limits fossil fuel extraction near homes, schools, and community areas.
• The county has also taken steps to expand renewable energy programs, actively promoting the use of solar, wind, and geothermal energy to transition away from fossil fuels.
• Boulder County has invested in transportation initiatives designed to reduce car dependency, such as expanding bike lanes and improving public transit options.
• Boulder County is home to non-profits such as Resource Central, which encourages residents to adopt responsible water usage habits in response to increasing drought risks.

While these policies demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, many rely on long-term planning rather than immediate action. Given the accelerating climate crisis, there is growing concern that Boulder County’s efforts are not keeping pace with the urgency of the problem.

The stark reality is that despite Boulder County’s ambitious sustainability goals, progress remains slow, and the region continues to experience climate change-induced challenges such as wildfires, extreme heat, and declining air quality.

Alternatives to oil and gas

While the county has made strides in restricting new oil and gas drilling, 73 wells remain active, and more than 100 additional wells exist in the eastern part of the county. The county has pursued legal action against major oil companies, but legal battles take years to resolve, delaying meaningful impact.

To truly mediate the effects of climate change, policymakers should enact an immediate phase-out plan for remaining oil wells rather than waiting for natural depletion. For too long, politicians have taken money from big oil companies while overlooking environmental violations that directly affect their constituents.

Boulder County has promoted solar, wind, and geothermal energy, yet high installation costs prevent widespread adoption. Additionally, while the county has set emissions reduction targets, these rely on statewide clean energy transitions rather than Boulder-specific solutions.

Additional policies to increase solar power implementation include:

• Subsidies or rebates for low-income residents to install solar panels.
• Fast-tracking community solar projects that allow residents to share renewable energy resources.
• Mandating solar installations on all new buildings to accelerate adoption.

Limited accessibility to going green is one of the major hurdles for rural communities’ efforts to switch to sustainable energy sources. Despite investments in bike lanes and public transportation, Boulder County remains heavily car-dependent, contributing to high emissions. Public transit options remain limited, particularly in less urbanized areas.

Most notably, electric vehicle (EV) charging networks can be limited outside of metropolitan cities, and charging is slow. It sometimes takes upwards of 40 to 50 hours for a fully electric vehicle to reach a full battery and between 5 and 6 hours for a plug-in hybrid. Boulder County has a total of 538 charging stations, 44 of which are fast chargers.

Beyond EVs, public transportation is an alternative to personal car use. However, major improvements in the state’s public transportation system would make it a more viable alternative to driving. Subsidies in RTD passes and the implementation of congestion pricing or low-emission zones could further discourage excessive car use.

BOCO’s changing climate

With rising temperatures and diminishing snowpack, Boulder County is at risk of water shortages in the coming decades. While programs like Resource Central promote conservation, there are no strict regulations on excessive water use.

The Marshall Fire, which destroyed over 1,000 structures, was a clear warning sign that climate change is making wildfires more frequent and intense. Boulder County only began monitoring its stormwater after the fire in 2021. Additionally, air quality continues to deteriorate due to smoke pollution from regional wildfires continues to deteriorate air quality.

Historically, native land stewards recognized the importance of techniques such as controlled burns and reforestation. Some environmentalists have suggested returning the protection of our parks and forests to native tribes who have extensive knowledge and centuries of ancestral traditions of sustainable land stewardship.

Further regulations than those already in place on builders and contractors who construct new homes and buildings in the region should ensure that structures are built to reduce the risk of fire damage. The eastern part of the county had few significant wildfire events until the Marshall Fire, leading the county to update its building fire code. Now, ignition resistance building materials are required in Wildfire Zone 2 as well.

Green policies, red tape

Political and bureaucratic delays cause many environmental policies to require extensive planning, public hearings, and legal battles before implementation. A lack of federal funding results in economic constraints. Renewable energy projects, public transit expansions, and water conservation programs require significant financial investment. Other challenges include public resistance, as some sustainability initiatives face pushback from businesses and residents who fear economic or lifestyle disruptions.

Boulder County must move beyond planning and take immediate, decisive action to truly impact climate change. One of the most urgent steps is to enforce a clear timeline for phasing out oil and gas operations, ensuring a structured transition away from fossil fuels. Simultaneously, the county should mandate solar panel installations on all new residential and commercial buildings, accelerating the shift toward renewable energy.

To make sustainability accessible to all residents, it is crucial to subsidize sustainable energy solutions for low-income households, removing financial barriers to adoption. Additionally, Boulder County must expand public transportation options and invest in electrification, reducing reliance on personal vehicles and cutting transportation emissions.

With water scarcity becoming an increasing threat, strict water conservation measures should be enforced before a crisis arises, ensuring long-term resource sustainability.

Lastly, as wildfires continue to devastate the region, strengthening wildfire mitigation strategies — such as controlled burns, improved forest management, and home-hardening programs — should be a top priority to protect both communities and ecosystems. By implementing these urgent measures, Boulder County can transform its climate commitments into tangible, lasting change.

Boulder County has made commendable progress in sustainability, but progress alone is not enough when faced with the urgent reality of climate change. The slow pace of action continued reliance on fossil fuels, and gaps in renewable energy access highlight the need for more aggressive policies and faster implementation.

Simply put, climate change is accelerating faster than Boulder County’s sustainability efforts. If Boulder truly wants to be a leader in climate action, it must transition from planning to immediate, large-scale implementation — before it’s too late.

Residents can reduce car use, switch to renewable energy, conserve water, and support local climate policies. While individual acts can certainly make a local impact, the largest contributors to climate change continue to be the oil and gas industry. Oil and gas drilling, rising water demand, transportation emissions, and wildfire threats are the most pressing challenges BOCO faces for the next 25 years. The question now is: Are the residents of one of the most naturally beautiful places in the country willing to take radical action against corporate giants in order to protect the land they live on?

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