Date of Award

January 2023

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Laura Bozzi

Abstract

Colorado should work towards rapid, equitable, and local-level decarbonization to mitigate the adverse public health impacts from climate change. Policy makers and organizations should capitalize on new funding streams from the Inflation Reduction Act to lead this charge. Actions may take several forms, but all should be centered in the following three premises:Engage energy, climate change, and public health stakeholders in all parts of Inflation Reduction Act implementation; Prioritize local level decarbonization through weatherization, household electrification, and adoption of electric public transportation vehicles; and Match Colorado state funds with Inflation Reduction Act funding to amplify support.

The Inflation Reduction Act (2022) offers $369 billion of unprecedented opportunity for states to strengthen clean energy infrastructure, upgrade energy efficient homes, and expand electric vehicle manufacturing to radically decarbonize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This report aims to 1) identify climate change and energy impacts on population health; 2) evaluate Colorado’s unique positionality in leading the United States in Inflation Reduction Act implementation with a public health benefit focus; and 3) provide case-based recommendations for implementation of weatherization, household electrification, and electric public transportation vehicles in low-income communities.

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This is an Open Access Thesis.

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