FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2021
Contact:
Travis Madsen, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)
tmadsen@swenergy.org
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[DENVER, CO] – Today, the Colorado Energy Office published a new report finding that zero-emission trucks are a can’t-miss opportunity for Colorado, with the potential to deliver more than $20 billion in benefits to Coloradans over the next 30 years.
Experts at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) reviewed the report and highlighted the following substantial benefits:
- Cheaper vehicle operation. The study estimates that electric trucks cost about $2000 less per year to fuel and maintain than diesel versions. With expanded deployment of both battery-electric and hydrogen electric trucks, those savings could add up to more than $6 billion through 2050 (net present value). That would translate into reduced shipping costs for commercial goods and a stronger economy, benefiting everyone.
- Reduced climate-changing pollution. Adopting clean truck policies would cut medium- and heavy-duty vehicle emissions by 45 percent or more by mid-century. The study estimates that prevented pollution is worth more than $10 billion (net present value).
- Cleaner air. Clean truck policies would cut smog-forming emissions by 90 percent by 2050 compared to today, reducing respiratory disease, hospital admissions and premature deaths — with a social value of more than $3 billion. These health benefits are especially critical for low-income communities and communities of color living near congested highways and industrial facilities, and therefore, disproportionately impacted by harmful diesel truck pollution.
- Lower electricity bills. The study estimates that the extra revenue resulting from vehicle owners paying for electricity to fuel their vehicles could reduce the average electric customer utility bill by more than 2 percent (or $70 per year) in 2050.
“Governor Polis should act quickly to accelerate truck electrification,” said Travis Madsen, Transportation Program Director at SWEEP. “Clean trucks will save Coloradans money, improve our health, and protect our climate. Let’s charge ahead and adopt strong policies without delay. The benefits are ours for the taking.”
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