What is Employee Trip Reduction Program (ETRP)?
The Employee Trip Reduction Program (ETRP) is a new rule that is being proposed by two organizations, the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) and Regional Air Quality Council (RACQ), and was included in Governor Polis’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap.
This rule would set goals for large employers to achieve reductions in the number of employees who drive alone, or “single-occupant vehicle” (SOV) employee commutes. A program that offers telecommuting, public transit, ridesharing or other means not only benefits air quality, it can also improve employee wellness, retention and company culture. The Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) will take the rule under consideration in May 2021, requesting a rulemaking hearing be set for August 2021.
Why the Need for ETRP?
On a state-wide basis, transportation became the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. The metro Denver/North Front Range region does not currently meet air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For the Front Range corridor, transportation is the largest source of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and the third-largest source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs,) both contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone pollution. Emission reductions from transportation are key to the region and state meeting its air quality and climate goals.
How You Can Influence ETRP?
The RAQC, local transportation management organizations (TMOs) metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and local government entities have been reviewing various models to assist employers in developing ETRP programs. TMOs, like Commuting Solutions, are the leaders of this work for many years and are essential resources when designing a right-sized program for employers.
As a Workplace Commute Ambassadors, we encourage you to contact us to partner with you on developing an ETRP that meets the unique needs of your business and employees.
The RAQC will also continue the stakeholder process and invites interested employers to attend meetings scheduled for:
April 2 from 9:30 a.m. – noon
April 7 from 9:30 a.m. – noon
Additional Information:
APCD Fact Sheet
RAQC Resources
