Boulder's Ambitious Climate Goals Unlikely to Be Met

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Boulder, Colorado has pursued some of the most ambitious anti-fossil fuel policies in the nation, but an analysis shows the city is unlikely to meet its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2035 due to the challenges of further reducing emissions after initial progress.

Why it matters

Boulder's struggle to meet its aggressive climate targets despite its progressive policies highlights the broader challenges cities face in eliminating fossil fuels and the limitations of local action in addressing a global problem like climate change.

The details

Boulder has set some of the most ambitious climate goals of any U.S. city, aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2035 and be carbon-negative by 2040. However, the city's current pace of emissions reductions would need to nearly double to meet the 2035 target. Much of Boulder's progress so far has come from reducing emissions associated with electricity generation, but the grid still relies on some coal plants that cannot be easily phased out. Additionally, even if Boulder were to reach net-zero, its small size means it would have little impact on global emissions.

• In 2006, Boulder became one of the first local governments to adopt emissions reduction targets.
• In 2019, Boulder declared a 'climate emergency' and exponentially increased its emissions reduction targets.
• In 2024, Rep. Harriet Hageman challenged Boulder to demonstrate the potential to eliminate fossil fuels by becoming a fossil fuel-free demonstration city.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Supreme Court is set to consider whether lawsuits filed by cities like Boulder against oil companies over climate change damages belong in state courts.