Vehicle Climate Fee
Consultation has concluded
Addressing climate change is an important priority at the city. The City of Boulder has adopted aggressive climate and sustainability goals, including 100 percent renewable electricity and an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The city’s current revenue for climate programs is insufficient to meet these targets, especially in light of the urgency that is now known.
Staff has evaluated a number of revenue options, especially related to reducing transportation, which accounts for more than a quarter of our community's emissions. Based on that evaluation, council has directed staff to pursue the development of a proposed Vehicle Climate Fee, which includes gathering community feedback on a possible fee structure and uses.
The proposed fee amount would be added to the cost of car's annual registration and will be determined by the mile per gallon (MPG) of the vehicle. More efficient vehicles would pay a lower fee, and electric vehicles would be exempt. The fee is expected to be between $10 and $50 per vehicle each year.
We know the possibility of more fees or taxes can be worrying -- and confusing. We invite you to ask any questions you might have about this proposal here. We'll do our best to respond back within three business days.