On February 26, 2025, the Colorado Energy Office released the Colorado Carbon Management Roadmap, a guide focused on the development and implementation of carbon management. In 2023, Governor Jared Polis signed the Carbon Management Act (HB23-1210), directing the Colorado Energy Office to begin work on the Roadmap.
Through this resource, the Colorado Energy Office identifies various carbon management technologies, such as direct air capture (DAC), captured carbon at the source, captured carbon and utilization, and carbon storage, and examines how the technologies correspond with the state’s “natural resources, workforce opportunities, market dynamics, and community needs.” Based on input from 15 state agencies as well as industry leaders, environmental advocates, and local communities, the resource outlines around 70 policy recommendations, including:
- Establishing Carbon Management Zones that utilize data-driven analysis to optimize site selection, simplify regulatory processes, and strategically address deployment challenges.
- Designing a regulatory framework for Colorado to manage long-term liability associated geologic carbon storage wells.
- Creating a forgivable loan fund to assist in the development of carbon storage and geothermal projects.
- Surveying potential uses for waste heat and surplus clean energy generation to power carbon removal technologies.
- Implementing an “equity capital program” to expand financing options for projects.
- Creating a publicly accessible platform to track both proposed and ongoing carbon management activities.
- Introducing financial incentives to encourage carbon removal initiatives.
This resource was created in partnership with the Great Plains Institute. To access the full Colorado Carbon Management Roadmap, click here.