The State of Colorado has released its new Carbon Management Roadmap, another major step forward for the state as it strives to advance carbon management solutions that align with its decarbonization efforts.
The Great Plains Institute (GPI) was proud to be a partner in this effort. In 2023, the Colorado legislature directed the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to select a contractor to produce a carbon management roadmap. CEO chose GPI, which, under the office’s direction, conducted extensive stakeholder engagement and research to inform the roadmap’s policy recommendations.
The roadmap provides a strategic and forward-thinking framework for leveraging carbon management technologies to support the state’s climate goals. More broadly, this roadmap offers a suite of options for other states to consider as they pursue carbon management.
A model for states nationwide
Colorado’s roadmap sets an important precedent for other states looking to implement regulatory frameworks and policies that support carbon management projects. It provides guidance on the state’s role in creating economic opportunities and ensuring responsible project deployment for carbon management, which includes the capture, transport, utilization, storage, and removal of carbon dioxide (CO2). This roadmap establishes a model for achieving emissions reductions in a way that benefits both the environment and local communities.
The new publication outlines how the state can integrate carbon management technologies with its natural resources, workforce, market conditions, and community priorities. It was designed to achieve five strategically aligned objectives:
- Advance the state’s net-zero emissions target by 2050 by scaling high-quality carbon management solutions.
- Reduce emissions in industrial sectors like cement and steel production, where other methods cannot fully eliminate emissions.
- Promote technological innovation by encouraging public-private partnerships and attracting strategic investment.
- Support an equitable transition by focusing on workforce training, economic diversification, and community engagement.
- Leverage financial opportunities by tapping into state and federal funding, tax incentives, and private investment to accelerate carbon management projects.
Recommendations
To establish Colorado as a leader in carbon management, the roadmap introduces 68 policy recommendations, including the following:
- Increase public safety and transparency for carbon transport and storage by establishing public databases, strengthening local capacity, providing clear resources on regulations and siting requirements, and expanding monitoring and data accessibility.
- Designate Carbon Management Zones to streamline project siting, improve the efficiency of regulatory processes, and remove barriers to deployment through data-driven analysis.
- Develop a regulatory framework to manage long-term liability for geologic carbon storage in the state.
- Support carbon removal through studies and financial incentives by studying energy sources, evaluating tax credits, and improving access to financing through forgivable loan programs and an equity capital initiative.
- Advance workforce training and community engagement by expanding career programs, developing educational resources, considering community benefits plans, and engaging local and tribal communities.
- Develop standards and incentives for emerging carbon removal pathways by supporting voluntary codes for low-carbon building materials, scaling biochar and mineralization research, and exploring carbon credit procurement to help the state meet net-zero goals.
Collaboration drives success
The roadmap is a testament to the power of collaboration between state agencies, industry leaders, and stakeholders. Under the direction of CEO, GPI worked to lead an inclusive process, engaging experts, communities, and policy makers to ensure that diverse state perspectives were incorporated into the plan. This type of stakeholder-driven approach is critical to developing policies that are both effective and equitable and models a framework for states to engage communities in the regulatory and planning steps of project deployment.
Commitment to safety and responsible development
A strength of the roadmap is its emphasis on safety and regulatory oversight. By prioritizing rigorous safety measures and accessible information for stakeholders and communities, the state ensures that carbon management projects are implemented responsibly in a way that informs and protects communities. This commitment reinforces the importance of thoughtful policy design in accelerating the deployment of carbon management solutions.
A vision for the future
We commend CEO on its efforts on behalf of the people of Colorado for its leadership in sharing this roadmap and setting a strong example for other states to follow. This kind of strategic planning will be essential in driving forward carbon management solutions that deliver real, lasting benefits. GPI looks forward to continued collaboration with states, industry partners, and stakeholders to help advance policies and projects that support a net-zero carbon future.
For more information on Colorado and other states, explore our resources or stay updated with our 2025 legislative tracker. You can also subscribe to our weekly state news update or legislative digest newsletters for the latest updates and insights on the Colorado roadmap and other states.
