Weld County Industry Leading the Way in Colorado’s GHG Reduction Goals

Published on February 25, 2025

The latest Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory update from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) shows that Colorado is much closer to reaching its climate goals—and Weld County’s oil and gas industry is playing a key role in that progress. This progress puts the state much closer to meeting its ambitious climate goals, outlined in key legislation like House Bill 19-1261 and Senate Bill 23-016.

Colorado’s climate action plan sets statewide GHG reduction targets levels across all sectors, from transportation to agriculture, at 26% by 2025 and reaching 100% (Net Zero) by 2050 (relative to 2005 levels) Additionally, the Colorado Environmental Justice Act (HB21-1266) created specific reduction goals for key industries, including oil and gas:

• Oil and gas systems must cut emissions by 36% by 2025 and 60% by 2030 (relative to 2005 levels).
• The industrial and manufacturing sector must cut emissions by 20% by 2030 (relative to 2015 levels).

Weld County’s Oil & Gas Industry Exceeding Expectations

The GHG Inventory update shows that, despite increased production, the oil and gas sector is outpacing their reduction targets with a 45% reduction by 2025 (target: 36%) and a 67% reduction expected by 2030 (target: 60%).

This means that Weld County’s industry is reducing emissions faster than required while continuing to be the top oil and gas-producing county in Colorado. The industrial and manufacturing sector, another important part of Weld County’s economy, is also on track to meet its emissions reduction goals a full four years ahead of schedule.

What This Means for Weld County

For Weld County residents, these reductions demonstrates that businesses across the county are embracing cleaner, more efficient practices while without sacrificing economic growth. The oil and gas industry remains a major employer and economic driver for the region, and its ability to cut emissions ahead of schedule showcases a responsible balance between energy production and environmental responsibility.

Tracking Progress and Looking Ahead

The next GHG Inventory update will be published in 2025, but the current data suggests Weld County industry will play a critical role in helping the state meet its long-term goals. To dive deeper into the numbers and state strategies, you can review the GHG Emissions Inventory Update and other materials here.

For those interested in tracking progress across other sectors—like electricity, transportation, or agriculture—the Greenhouse Gas Metrics Dashboard is a fantastic resource. This user-friendly tool provides an overview of critical metrics impacting emissions statewide. Check it out here: GHG Metrics Dashboard.