“I support all of the above” is a common refrain among U.S. politicians.
This popular sentiment seems to check all the boxes with just one sentence, but what does it really mean and is it truly effective?
It appears diverse, it sounds equitable, and it seems inclusive. However, the principles of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) fall short in addressing the real issues of environmental and economic sustainability in communities on the brink of collapse.
Colorado’s Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties, historically coal-energy strongholds, stand at a critical juncture. The transition of the Craig and Hayden Power Stations away from coal brings not just job losses, but also a seismic shift in cultural identity and economic foundation. Amidst these challenges, we recognize an opportunity for transformation.
The Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI) is a collective response to this pivotal moment. Our mission is clear: to secure a replacement for coal that upholds our standard of living by ensuring energy affordability, job retention, and competitive wages.
Colorado’s HB23-1247 legislates an “all of the above” approach, emphasizing a full spectrum of choices to be considered in the state’s feasibility study. This includes gas generation with carbon capture and storage, advanced nuclear, wind and solar coupled with storage, geothermal, and clean hydrogen.
As members of NCEI, we are actively preparing for Colorado’s energy feasibility study mandated by House Bill 23-1247. The NCEI budget, allocated for surveys and public outreach, focuses on educating communities, dispelling myths, building trust, and listening to concerns of these communities.
With a strong emphasis placed on community involvement, NCEI wants our communities to be fully engaged as we embrace the facts of each potential solution.
This investment is crucial for a successful, community-supported shift in this transition. The goal is to build community trust – trust in the process, the technology, and the future.
While the “all of the above” mantra seems inclusive, not every option will address the challenges we face.
For example, solar and wind are renewables with a seemingly smaller carbon footprint than coal; however, they will not replace the lost jobs, nor will they provide the megawatts of power that coal provides. Advanced nuclear will replace all the jobs and provide the missing megawatts; however, it takes time to ramp up. Geothermal can ramp up very quickly, but has a limited maximum output.
As a region, we absolutely should consider “all of the above” options for addressing the energy crisis in Northwest Colorado. However, our communities need to pursue “best of the above” solutions when it comes to implementation.
One consideration would be an energy campus that could harness the collective strengths from many sources. A synergistic approach like this could capitalize on the unique benefits of each technology, creating a robust energy economy.
We have an opportunity to evolve from a singular “coal community” into a diverse, energy-rich community of many industries. By embracing a combination of energy solutions, we can achieve environmental and economic goals, while fostering a new era of prosperity.
After removing the advocacy and politics, let’s come together for a “best of the above” solution that invigorates our local economies, supports municipal and county tax revenue, and leaves the upcoming energy crisis and current housing crisis as distant memories.
As Colorado transitions to alternative energies, we must ensure that this transition is environmentally and economically feasible, aligned, and sustainable, preserving and creating jobs and infrastructure.
A “best of the above” solution is more than a policy — it’s a commitment to our communities’ future. Together, we can set a precedent for how regions can adapt and thrive in the face of change.
For Northwest Colorado, our path is clear. We don’t want “all of the above” and we don’t want political advocacy. We want carefully selected solutions from a wide array of options that align with our communities needs and aspirations.
We deserve the best of the above.
The Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative operates under the purview of AGNC. The advisory board members are: Former State House Majority Leader and Former CMU President Tim Foster, Former State Senator Bob Rankin, Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis, Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson, Rio Blanco County Commissioner Doug Overton, and Former Moffatt County Commissioner Ray Beck. Former Town of Eagle Council Member Matt Solomon is the Project Manager.
PRESS RELEASE BY
NORTHWEST COLORADO ENERGY INITIATIVE
