Denver (April 21, 2025): Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is highlighting a series of resources that advance environmental health across the state.
“Every year, we’re working hard to protect our Colorado way of life, and Earth Day is an opportunity to take a step back and identify the roles we can each play to promote the health of the environment,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, CDPHE executive director. “From protecting our air quality to enhancing sustainability to ensuring everyone has a healthy community to thrive in, we continue to lead the nation in supporting the health and well-being of all Coloradans, our communities, and our environment.”
Protecting clean air
- CDPHE uses advanced mobile monitoring technology to measure air toxics in communities and air pollution near oil and gas operations to protect air quality and our health.
- In January, CDPHE announced the environmental justice summary dashboard, which allows users to identify air pollution sources in their zip code, and the inspections data visualization tool, which shows inspections at facilities related to air quality requirements. Other resources include:
- An interactive online map that provides access to thousands of public records for stationary sources of air pollution.
- An online data visualization tool that makes trends and information on key air pollutants more accessible to the public.
- Businesses, local governments, and other organizations can apply for the Clean Fleet Vehicle and Technology Grant Program in early summer. Since CDPHE first launched the program in 2023, the board has approved funding for 185 low- and zero-emission fleet vehicles.
- Coloradans can sign up for air quality alerts so they can make informed decisions.
- Coloradans can visit the Air Pollution Control Division’s public participation opportunities web page to get involved in work to protect clean air for all or subscribe to the division’s email updates to stay informed.
Ensuring everyone has a healthy environment
- Colorado EnviroScreen is one of the nation’s leading environmental justice mapping tools that identifies areas most affected by multiple forms of pollution.
- The tool helps guide resources and decisions to promote equity and thriving communities.
- Mobile home park community members and park owners can learn about the Mobile Home Water Quality Act, which aims to ensure mobile home park communities have access to safe and clean water.
Promoting sustainability
- Colorado businesses wanting to reduce their energy costs and increase their operational sustainability can receive free coaching and technical assistance through the Colorado Green Business Network. Last year, the network and its local government partners saved businesses money, increased business marketability and branding, and voluntarily reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 26,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents.
- Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise services support Colorado’s communities, businesses, nonprofits, schools, institutions of higher learning, and tribes by delivering technical assistance, project development, and financial assistance to advance the state’s transition to a circular economy. Grant and funding opportunities are now available.
Keeping our environments clean and healthy
- Coloradans can drop off their unused medications at a Medication Takeback Program dropbox to protect public health, water systems, and wildlife. In the last year, the department collected 68,810 pounds of medication at state-funded drop-off locations through the program.
- Coloradans can protect their children from lead poisoning by taking a quick quiz through the Give Me One Minute educational campaign to see if their children should be tested for lead exposure. Beginning in July 2024, the department began conducting in-home environmental investigations to help caregivers act on test results.
- Coloradans can reduce dangerous radon in their homes by using discounted testing kits that CDPHE distributes. To celebrate National Radon Action Month, the department distributed 17,000 radon test kits to homes across Colorado, up from the 14,000 test kits distributed last year.
- Coloradans can apply to the Low-Income Radon Mitigation Assistance Program, which helps cover the cost of radon mitigation and protects the health and well-being of families across the state. In 2024, CDPHE saved low-income homeowners over $384,000.
The department encourages members of the public to participate in our decision-making processes by joining public engagement opportunities, which can be found on our online calendar.
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