Gov. Jared Polis’ greenhouse reduction goals are not achievable, given the rapid infrastructure development the state would need and the gap in technology, according to a new report.

The report from the Common Sense Institute criticizes policymakers for their narrow focus on electrification and ignoring the possibility of power disruptions arising out of new regulations that did not fully consider the technology and infrastructure needed to maintain energy reliability.

Colorado prioritizes greenhouse gas reductions, but not the fiscal impacts of policy interventions, according to the report.

“Though reducing GHG emissions is a laudable goal, it’s important to put Colorado’s contribution to climate change into context,” the report said.

Colorado ranked 22nd nationally in CO2 emissions in 2021, at around 85 million metric tons, according to the Energy Information Administration.

“This was only a small fraction of the national total and, from a global perspective, an insignificant amount,” the report said. “Colorado cannot impact climate change on its own, but it can impact jobs and energy costs in Colorado significantly.”

“In an ideal end state, Colorado’s energy would be affordable, reliable, and leave the smallest possible environmental footprint,” said the report. “To achieve this, energy would be appreciated as a central force that enables progress—rather than being viewed by legislators and policymakers as a necessary evil.”

Polis and proponents of the transition away from fossil energy argue it’s ultimately good for the earth, and it creates a healthier environment for people, while saving Coloradans money, anticipating that, over the long term, renewable energy would be more economical to produce.

Critics said the transition is happening too quickly, that it would be financially costly to people and businesses alike and that a diverse energy portfolio that incudes fossil-fired and renewable energy is more reliable and sustainable.

The Common Sense Institute report recommends reconsidering emissions policy through a suite of changes that, the group argues, will keep Colorado economically competitive. In particular, the group suggests shifting the policy focus from greenhouse gas reductions alone to a “net zero” approach that assesses both emissions reduction and its economic effects, while also protecting Colorado’s economy and residents.

“If Colorado policymakers want an effective decarbonization strategy, they should consider adopting a net-zero policy that maintains high reliability at low cost and is technologically sound,” the report said. “A net-zero policy would allow for the continued use of fossil fuels with appropriate offsets and or capture of GHGs.”

The institute recommends policymakers use a five-factor framework test to ensure that regulatory benefits will outweigh their costs, that policies’ unintended consequences are considered, and that tradeoffs are evaluated. It also recommends the creation of a non-partisan commission to evaluate energy and climate related legislative proposals to “take the politics out of energy policy.”