Minor, N. (2023, April 29). Polis’ land use bill aimed to blunt climate change. Conservation groups say watering it down is a ‘huge disappointment.’ Colorado Public Radio. https://www.cpr.org/2023/04/28/polis-land-use-bill-aimed-to-blunt-climate-change-conservation-groups-say-watering-it-down-is-a-huge-disappointment/

 

A zoning bill allowing for higher-density housing in Colorado was deemed controversial. The SB23-213 has been revised for more support, resulting in what some say are key aspects of the bill being removed. Higher-density developments and housing have directly been linked to a lower carbon footprint. A portion allowing a higher population density and laxer parking laws in certain areas has been taken out. The result is a half-stripped bill that holds much smaller promises than were previously supported. 

 

There’s a call for a statewide approach, but I wonder what state-led zoning support would look like. Especially in relation to population growth and land development. There are arguments to be made that more land zoning laws would result in slower development and fall behind in sufficient housing for the population, further exacerbating the cost of living and limited housing crisis. All of these must be taken into consideration when deciding on this type of legislation. Human safety, health, and even economic developments are the priority and will be held to a higher degree of importance in decision-making before any decisions are made on climate change.