In 2021, HB21-1266 authorized the creation of the Environmental Justice Program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The department’s goal was to address environmental justice inequities through increased community engagement and cooperation between state, tribal, and local governments.  CDPHE provides inclusive access to Air Quality Control Commission meetings and Greenhouse Gases (GHG) rulemaking. Services provided by CDPHE include translation services, community connector programs, 30-day notices of meetings, virtual/online meetings, and increased accessibility services. HB21-1266 ensures greater community involvement and due process in all phases of environmental law and policy. The Environmental Justice Task Force must submit the recommendations by November 14, 2022.

The Enviroscreen Tool, developed by CDHPE, generates “scores” using census and environmental data to visualize the level of unjust environmental impact across the state. The tool provides greater transparency for communities that face greater environmental burdens. CDPHE also provides The Environmental Justice Report Tool for Regulation 3 for air pollution permit applicants to use when implementing the Disproportionately Impacted (DI) Community Permitting Rule adopted by the AQCC in May 2023.

After the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in March 2021, Colorado initiated the “Build Back Better Tour” to gather input from residents and stakeholders on the challenges they were facing. Housing, mental and behavioral health, workforce development, and targeted economic relief were identified as key areas for transformative investment. A strategic recovery framework was developed based on bipartisan engagement and robust public input, aiming to build back a stronger Colorado. The tour highlighted the opportunity to use ARPA funds for once-in-a-generation transformational change in the state.