Later this week the Air Quality Control Commission will hold a hearing and vote on a proposal to adopt a low-emissions vehicle program.
Colorado could join California and 11 other states that have adopted such programs in the face of a Trump Administration move to cancel future standards for vehicle emissions and gas mileage. Environmental groups have sent 7,600 signatures and comments urging the commission to approve the new program.
Emissions can be reduced by making cars that get more miles per gallon thereby using less gas. The federal target had been an average 54.5 miles per gallon by the year 2025.
Opponents of the standards say they will increase the costs of cars and light trucks and that may force people to keep their older, more polluting cars for a longer time.