Governor Polis, Sysco Celebrate the Launch of Electric Vehicle Tax Credit

DENVER- Today, Governor Polis celebrated the recent launch of the electric vehicle tax credit alongside Colorado Energy Office Director Will Toor, Rep. Junie Joseph, and representatives from Sysco, who are launching their first fleet of electric trucks in Colorado as a result of HB23-1272. The bill, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter and Steve Fenberg and Representatives Mike Weissman and Junie Joseph, created new and expanded electric vehicle tax credits to promote light-duty vehicles and trucks.

"Not only are we saving people money and reducing pollution, but by continuing to invest in clean energy we are also investing in future generations. These tax credits are another example of Colorado's leadership in this area, and we are glad to see companies like Sysco leading for a clean energy future," said Governor Jared Polis.

The event builds on the innovative truck tax credit for electric and plug-in hybrid electric trucks, with the credit ranging between $5,000 and $12,000 depending on the truck's weight starting in 2024. Colorado's emphasis on electric vehicles encourages industry to adopt clean energy practices, and decrease their carbon footprint.

"With transportation being Colorado's number one source of greenhouse gas emissions, continuing to find ways to spur electric vehicle adoption is a top priority," said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. "We are grateful to Sysco as a partner who recognizes the importance of this goal and is embracing it with their new electric fleet of trucks."

Earlier this week, the governor celebrated electric bicycle tax credits, in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office (CEO). The development of HB23-1272 tax credits futhers the state of Colorado's work in achieving its climate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Future work into clean energy practices, promotes a healthy and thriving Colorado for now and future generations.

"In 2021, Sysco became the first U.S. foodservice distributor to set a science-based climate goal to reduce our emissions by 27.5% by 2030. One component of our climate goal is electrifying a portion of our fleet, and our partnership with the State of Colorado is key to helping us achieve this," says Neil Russell, Sysco's Chief Administrative Officer. "Deploying EVs is not only great for the environment but for our customers, the local community and our delivery partners as well." Neil continues, "We are excited to join the Governor and members of the Colorado General Assembly to celebrate the arrival of 10 electric semi-trucks at Sysco Denver. Sysco is proud to be the first to adopt an electric heavy-duty fleet at this scale, and we are grateful for the partnership with the State of Colorado which helped make this initiative possible."

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