Strengthening Colorado’s Economy: What They’re Saying About Action to Make Permitting Easier in Colorado

DENVER - Yesterday, Governor Polis took Executive Action to strengthen Colorado's economy and boost investments and infrastructure in Colorado. This is what Colorado key industries and businesses are saying:

"As a proud contributor in the Colorado semiconductor ecosystem since 1993, Highvac Corporation is encouraged about this new executive action Governor Polis is taking to improve the business climate in Colorado. This action is critical as other states compete for strategic industry growth. In light of the ongoing unprecedented investment in the semiconductor industry, this pilot program is a strong move in securing advanced manufacturing growth in Colorado," said John Catalano, President of Highvac Corporation.

"We applaud Governor Polis for taking action to modernize and streamline Colorado's permitting processes for advanced industries. For manufacturers like CoorsTek, predictable and efficient permitting is essential to making long-term investments, expanding operations, and creating high-quality jobs. This initiative is an important step toward reducing unnecessary complexity and improving transparency to ensure Colorado remains competitive," said Michael Coors, CEO of CoorsTek.

"This is an important step toward making Colorado a more competitive and predictable state for companies to invest, grow and create jobs. Years of Colorado Chamber research and business surveys have made clear that regulatory complexity, including lengthy permitting processes, is a major obstacle to Colorado's economic competitiveness. Modernizing these systems will lead to better outcomes for businesses, communities and the state, and we appreciate Gov. Polis' leadership in advancing reforms that will make it easier to invest and create opportunity here in Colorado," said Loren Furman, Colorado Chamber of Commerce.

"As a small manufacturer, permitting has been challenging because smaller companies have fewer resources to navigate complex processes than larger, more established businesses. One of our greatest advantages is the ability to pivot quickly as markets and opportunities change, but that flexibility depends on being able to acquire and modify facilities on a predictable timeline. These streamlining efforts should help companies like MASTech grow, invest with greater confidence, and respond more quickly to demand in the semiconductor and advanced-manufacturing markets," said Brandon Garrison, Chief Executive Officer, Machine Automation and Slicing Technology Ltd.

"An efficient permitting process is an important factor in bringing semiconductor facilities online quickly and supporting continued investment in advanced manufacturing. Entegris appreciates Colorado's efforts to improve a complex process through digital tools and streamlined procedures, helping companies move projects forward more efficiently, create jobs, and better serve customers," said Clint Haris, Senior Vice President and President, Advanced Purity Solutions.

"Streamlining processes that enable businesses to be more efficient ultimately leads to job creation and investment back into our community. This executive order is an important step in facilitating that goal," said Lindsay Pack Moll, CEO at InnovaFlex Foundry.

"Colorado's technology industry competes nationally for investment and the companies shaping our future. Making permitting more efficient and predictable will help Colorado attract and grow strategic industries. This Executive Order reflects priorities advanced through the Governor's Competitiveness Council and turns that work into meaningful action. It is an important step toward a modern permitting system that supports economic growth while protecting Colorado's communities and environment," said Brittany Morris Saunders, President & CEO, Colorado Technology Association.

"Efficient, coordinated permitting is essential to building the transmission infrastructure and clean energy projects Colorado needs to support economic growth, meet rapidly rising energy demand, and reduce emissions. Governor Polis' executive order advances practical permitting reforms that can improve coordination and transparency, reduce unnecessary delays, and accelerate responsible energy infrastructure deployment," said Dan West, Senior Western Regional Policy Manager U.S. State Energy and Climate Policy Program Clean Air Task Force.

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