Smart Growth In the News

Coloradans are driving more than ever and increasing greenhouse gas emissions at a dramatic rate, according to a report released Thursday.

Colorado ranks 11th in the nation for growth in miles traveled on its roadways in the past 25 years, and the Denver metro area ranks ninth in the country, according to a team of urban planning researchers.

The total miles driven in the state are expected to increase 59 percent by 2030, according to the report authored by Environment Colorado, the Urban Land Institute and the Sierra Club.

The report warned that if sprawling development along the Front Range continues to fuel growth, efforts to reduce greenhouse gases will be a waste of time.

"Colorado is poised to come out with vitally important goals for reducing the state's global warming pollution," said Pam Kiely, land-use advocate with Environment Colorado.

"Even the most stringent policies on reducing carbon emissions will be for naught if we don't start driving down our growth in vehicle emissions."

The report shows that Coloradans drove 47 million miles in 2005, reflecting a 114 percent increase since 1980.

Cutting emissions and car travel will require smart land use, new pollution technologies and energy conservation strategies on both the state and local levels, said Michael Leccese, executive director of the Urban Land Institute Colorado District Council.