MURALS Project

CSU annually hosts the Multicultural Undergraduate Research Art and Leadership Symposium (MURALS) as an opportunity for undergraduates to showcase their scholarly work. 

• Nominated to be a 2024 MURALS Scholar by my Composition (CO150) professor for outstanding structured research and writing of my Argumentative Essay and Advocacy Project
• Conducted research activities involving technical documentation, project scoping, and evaluation of real-world constraints
• Presented work through an abstract, poster, oral presentation, and one-on-one interviews
• Won the Inclusive Excellence – Social Justice Enhancer Award in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Category

Johan Yost

2024 MURALS

Category: Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Colorado Coalition for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Through Equitable Vehicle Emissions Testing

The Earth is warming faster than ever, yet Colorado’s greenhouse gas emissions are rising when 38 states' emissions are decreasing. Colorado needs to change course, and a significant positive impact is attainable if Colorado’s vehicle emissions regulations are applied equitably to all fossil-fueled vehicles. 

Targeting vehicle emissions became a clear solution as I reviewed Colorado’s regulations when my car would not pass emissions testing. Only 10% of Colorado’s geographical area is required to test, and obtaining an exemption is vastly simple. Instead of applying for an exception, I found an economical and readily available way to make my car pass: convert from carburation to electronic fuel injection. I realized this solution could be part of a statewide solution for every vehicle to achieve compliance. 

Due to the policy gap identified by methodological analysis for my own vehicle, I am forming the Colorado Coalition for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Through Equitable Vehicle Emissions Testing. The primary aim is to present a regulation change to Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commision. This includes soliciting air pollution experts to join the coalition to, in addition to drafting the regulation change, formulate a business plan to expand emission testing statewide and develop an app to assist Coloradoans in locating testing, vehicle repair/ retrofitting solutions, and financial assistance. 

The resultant outcome will reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas emissions from its transportation sector by an astronomical 99%, launching it to the forefront of the global effort to stop climate change. In closing, Colorado needs to act now; our mountains, trees, prairies, farmland, and people are too beautiful, majestic, and glorious to risk.