Equity Resources & Glossary

The Commission has not adopted a formal definition of equity, but according to the Universal Policy of the Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA), equity is “[w]hen everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, has the opportunity to thrive. Equity recognizes that some individuals have an advantage because of their identity, while others face barriers. Unlike equality, which suggests giving the same thing to everyone, equity works to provide opportunities to those facing barriers by providing additional resources to those who do not have these advantages. This requires eliminating barriers like poverty and repairing systemic injustices.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, environmental justice is “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” 

The Office of Environmental Justice is a team created at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to implement environmental justice laws and policy. The Office of Environmental Justice supports other state agencies like the Commission as appropriate. Learn more about the Environmental Justice Program here.

While the term "disproportionately impacted community" was originally defined for the Commission by Senate Bill 21-272, it was later modified by House Bill 23-1233 to create a definition that can be used by all state agencies. The Environmental Justice Program summarizes the key components of House Bill 23-1233 here.

CDPHE created an interactive mapping tool called Colorado EnviroScreen to identify disproportionately impacted communities in the state. The Commission is considering whether to use EnviroScreen to help identify disproportionately impacted communities for proceedings. 

• Department of Personnel & Administration EDI Resources
• Universal Policy on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in State Employment
• Department of Regulatory Agencies Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan
• CDPHE Climate Equity Framework

• Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
  • 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435)
• Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC)
  • Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) for heating system replacement and repair
• Xcel Energy’s Energy Assistance
• Black Hills Energy Assistance Program
• ATMOS Energy Assistance Program
• Colorado Natural Gas Assistance Programs
• Lifeline Telecommunication Assistance
• Utility Bill Help Program