Colorado House Bill HB1138

Colorado 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/22
• Refer: 2/4/22
• Failed: 2/28/22

Caption

Reduce Employee Single-occupancy Vehicle Trips

Impact

The establishment of this bill is significant as it targets air quality improvement and aims to alleviate traffic congestion across Colorado. By incentivizing employers to implement clean commuting strategies, it encourages a shift towards more sustainable transportation practices, which could lead to considerable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Large employers, in particular, will have specific requirements to conduct annual commuter surveys and offer a variety of transportation options to employees. This aligns with broader state goals of improving public health and environmental standards.

Summary

House Bill 1138 is aimed at reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips by promoting alternative transportation options among employers and their employees in Colorado. The bill introduces an income tax credit for employers who create a clean commuting plan that includes strategies to decrease the number of employees commuting alone in their vehicles. It emphasizes reducing air pollution and traffic congestion, focusing on helping essential workers and those earning lower incomes. The tax credit allows employers to deduct 50% of the costs associated with providing alternative commuting options from their taxes.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may face contention from employers concerned about the additional requirements and costs associated with implementing these plans. The need for compliance with commuter surveys and providing multiple transportation options may be viewed as burdensome, particularly for smaller businesses. There is also a consideration of how effectively these strategies would be adopted and if they would genuinely result in the desired reduction in vehicular traffic. Opponents might argue about the effectiveness of such incentives in leading to sustained behavior changes among employees.