Draft Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan available for public comment
Draft Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan Available for Public Comment
Date Published

The city of Durango and La Plata Electric Association has developed a draft Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan outlining strategies to increase EV adoption in Durango and contribute to shared carbon-reduction goals.

The plan was developed with grant funding from the Colorado Energy Office and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. It gives the city and LPEA staff, community leaders, businesses, residents, visitors, and other stakeholders information on how to prepare for and accelerate local and regional EV adoption.

The draft plan and executive summary are available for download at DurangoGov.org/EVready. Community members are invited to provide feedback on the plan at this link by Sunday, May 23.

“With transportation accounting for approximately 28% of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles alongside a transition to clean electricity will be critical to achieving the city’s adopted emissions reduction goals,” said Imogen Ainsworth, city of Durango sustainability coordinator.

The draft plan was created by consultants at the Brendle Group with community input via a survey, interviews, and focus groups, and a workshop with key stakeholders. The plan includes targets, actions, and implementation strategies under three core focus areas: Lead By Example, Infrastructure, and Public Adoption. Among the high-level targets that will be reviewed by Durango city council at a Study Session on May 25 are a 75% reduction in on-road transportation emissions by 2050, 100% zero-emissions light-duty fleet vehicles for the city and LPEA by 2030, and increased EV charging infrastructure and public adoption.

“This project hits many of LPEA’s operational objectives by supporting our community, reducing emissions, and boosting beneficial electrification,” said LPEA CEO Jessica Matlock. “To support the growth of the EV market, we must first start with the infrastructure, and that takes partnerships. Working with the city to achieve joint goals that benefit our community has been a pleasure. We look forward to continued collaboration.”

For more information about the city of Durango’s EV Readiness Plan and infrastructure projects, go to DurangoGov.org/EVready