DENVER—A new, novel interactive mapping tool is now available as a central hub for Colorado decision makers and citizens to consider social, environmental, legal and community data and factors when discussing where to locate carbon management projects in the state.
The Colorado Decision Support Tool, created by the Great Plains Institute (GPI), consolidates data into three interactive maps to ensure anyone—from project developers to community members—can easily access critical information.
This geospatial tool helps users identify potential opportunities and challenges associated with siting a carbon management project. This supports more transparent conversations that lead to equitable decision-making, allowing communities to be better informed and more engaged in the carbon management process.
“This tool supports the state’s climate goals by offering a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that highlights essential environmental and social information,” said Matt Fry, Policy and Technical Director of Carbon Management at GPI. “The goal is to ensure the full range of stakeholders critical to project development have access to the same data to support informed and equitable decision-making.”
Why Colorado?
Colorado is an emerging leader in climate policy, having set ambitious goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The state recognizes the importance of carbon capture and storage in industries like cement and steel that are challenging to decarbonize. In 2021, a Colorado task force recommended carbon management projects should be developed for industries that are hard to decarbonize while also creating economic opportunities with input from communities, focusing on environmental justice, and aligning with the state’s renewable energy goals.
To use the Colorado Decision Support Tool, visit the Carbon Action Alliance website. The Colorado Decision Support Tool follows GPI’s release of a Louisiana Decision Support Tool in 2023. Both resources are published through GPI’s Carbon Action Alliance, an initiative to bring together stakeholders and inform the public about carbon management opportunities. The tools are funded through philanthropic donations.
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About the Carbon Action Alliance (an initiative of GPI): The Carbon Action Alliance is a growing network of industry, labor, nonprofit, government, and community leaders working together to inform the public about carbon management opportunities, address decarbonization challenges, support project deployment, and benefit communities. It serves as an education and advocacy network at the federal, regional, and state levels, coordinates communications efforts, and aligns stakeholders and local communities to ensure carbon management projects and infrastructure are included as a part of an equitable approach to reducing emissions across energy and industrial sectors.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diana Leane
Communications & Public Relations Strategist, Carbon Management
Great Plains Institute
(612) 767-8296
