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The More Xcel Builds, the More we Pay; it Doesn’t Have to be This Way
Published in the Denver Post on November 30th, 2024 As someone who cares deeply about the future of our planet, I converted my 1963 home in Boulder from gas to all electric. The install went smoothly, the problem was the 7½-month ordeal Xcel Energy put me through to disconnect the gas. First, Xcel had no…
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Colorado Candidate Questionnaire on Climate, Clean Air and Clean Energy 2024
Posted on September 15th, 2024 The CCLC recently invited all Colorado General Assembly candidates who will be competing in the general election this November to respond to our questionnaire on climate, clean air and clean energy. A total of 38 candidates have responded. We’ve posted the results, and hope they will be helpful as people…
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Colorado PUC is Failing to Correct an Egregious Abuse of Xcel’s Ratepayers — and the Planet
Published in the Colorado Sun on September 10th, 2024 As Colorado suffers through a stifling hot summer and the associated wildfires, it is past time that the Colorado Public Utilities Commission stopped making all of Xcel Energy’s customers complicit in adding large amounts of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere from the Pueblo Unit 3 coal…
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NCP4CE Calls for Third Party Review of PRPA’s Decision to Build a New Gas Plant
September 3rd, 2024– Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy (NCP4CE) objects to the Platte River Power Authority’s (PRPA’s) planned addition of gas generation capacity because it will prevent PRPA from achieving, or even coming close, to its 100% non-carbon goal by 2030. At its meeting on August 29th, the PRPA board passed a reimbursement resolution…
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Make Public Comments on ECMC Rulemaking on Cumulative Impacts of Oil and Gas
All the efforts to have a voice at the ECMC on cumulative impacts have been dragging on for over 2 years. We are all tired, but we need one last push to get across the finish line. The rules as drafted are wholly inadequate — please join us in submitting your comment now! Find everything…
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NCP4CE Calls for Replacing Gas-turbine Plans with Accelerated Move to Local Renewables and Clean Energy Storage
NCP4CE, a coalition encouraging the transition to 100% renewable energy in Northern Colorado, credits Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) with 50 years of reliable and affordable energy supply and welcomes progress that has been made towards a 100% non-carbon resource mix. NCP4CE recognizes the complexity of planning reliable power generation for an uncertain future. PRPA’s…
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Geothermal Rulemaking Comments – Fracking and Repurposing Old Wells Must Have Stronger Rules
Geothermal can be an important part of a clean energy transition, but we need to make sure there are not unintended consequences. Many geothermal technologies are new and still in development so we need the strongest rules possible until more is known. Technologies include: use of fracking, repurposing old oil and gas wells, and using…
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Is Earth Really Getting Too Hot for People to Survive?
Published in the Denver Post on June 22nd, 2024 My parents said the planet is getting too hot for people to live here. They called it climate change. What does that mean? — Joseph, age 12, Boise, Idaho Many countries have seen extremely hot weather lately, but in most of the inhabited world, it’s never…
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An Interview with ChatGPT- 4.0
Published in the Boulder Daily Camera on June 15th, 2024 To ChatGPT: Does climate change endanger human survival? ChatGPT: Yes, climate change does endanger human survival. It leads to more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity, disruptions to food and water supplies, and increased health risks. These impacts can threaten the stability…
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Letter to PRPA on Evaluating the All Dispatchable Resources RFP
Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy (NCP4CE) P.O. Box 672 Fort Collins, Colorado 80522 May 20, 2024 Platte River Power Authority Board of Directors 2000 E. Horsetooth Road Fort Collins, Colorado Dear Board Chair Gertig, Vice Chair Arndt and Directors Marsh, Peck, Hall, Bergsten, Marr, and Hornbacher: On behalf of the Northern Colorado Partners for…
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Polis’ Veto Disappoints
Published in the Denver Post on May 26th, 2024 When I voted for Gov. Jared Polis for governor in 2018 and 2022, I hoped for his leadership on reining in climate change. At least he talked a good game. But it appears that I was conned. Although I was mixed on Polis’ actions last year,…
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CCLC Statement Opposing SB24-230: “Oil and Gas Production Fees”
Posted on May 5th, 2024 The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate (CCLC) is opposed to bills that perpetuate dependency on the oil and gas sector by funding state and local government programs through fees imposed on oil and gas operators. The next few years are crucial to implementing a path to a sustainable future…
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Time for a New Electric Utility Paradigm
Published in the Denver Post on April 27th, 2024 After nearly 20 years at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, I still wonder what parts of “climate crisis” and “extreme weather,” are not understood by Xcel, Colorado’s largest investor-owned utility (IOU), and its regulators at the PUC. After many years of advocacy by customers in Boulder…
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Hope for Larimer County Air
Published in the Denver Post on April 17th, 2024 As a representative of the Larimer Alliance for Health, Safety, and Environment, I wholeheartedly support House Bill 1330, which aims to address our dire air quality issues in Larimer County. With an “F” grade in ozone from the American Lung Association, we are in crisis. Science, including findings from…
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We are Running out of Road on Transition to Green Energy
Published in the Daily Camera on April 10th, 2024 Despite the Camera’s endorsement, Colorado lawmakers rejected a bill (SB 159) that would have gone after orphan and abandoned oil and gas wells and begun the transition away from petroleum extraction. In doing so, our legislators kicked the can down the road. The problem is: we…
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Action Alert: Brave Sponsors of the Oil and Gas Phase Out and Clean-Up Bill Need to Feel the Love!
Senator Jaquez Lewis and Senator Priola need to be buoyed up after SB 159 (the Oil and Gas Phase Out and Clean Up Bill) was voted down in committee on March 28th. They are taking a lot of heat from this, both from constituents and colleagues who were against the bill. One Senator said during…
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Action Alert: Testify for the Oil and Gas Phase Out and Clean Up Bill!
This bill is being heard on Thursday, March 28th at 1:30 p.m. in its crucial first committee hearing, where it will either be killed or get sent to be debated by the whole Senate. RSVP here to receive support and updates. Register for zoom or in person testimony here, and/or submit written comment through this…
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Action Alert: Provide Comments to the Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners on Coal Mine Royalty Rate Reduction and Proposed Oil and Gas Leasing
At State Land Board’s March 13 meeting, the Board will consider two fossil fuel-related resolutions, both of which should be opposed. See https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wLDK6gQleOgUA2upUZzTCWqgTGTZ9ezw/view At Tab 8 (PDF 164), the Board will consider a resolution to auction 5000+ acres for oil and gas. Four of the leases are in the Denver/Weld non-attainment area. CPW includes numerous…
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Tell Colorado Legislators to Support a Bill to Phase out New Permits for Oil and Gas!
Show our legislators there is a groundswell of support for this bill – requiring phase out of new permits for oil and gas and ensuring operators — not taxpayers — pay for cleanup. To help, please call and write your legislators and attend townhalls. Everything you need to know including talking points are here in…
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Pueblo Innovative Energy Solutions Advisory Committee Conclusions are Delusions
Published in the Pueblo Chieftain on January 14th, 2024 The Xcel Energy-established Pueblo Innovative Energy Solutions Advisory Committee (PIESAC) recently released their proposed recommendations for energy generation in Pueblo. Most committee members have no expertise in the electric utility field. They recommend building a nuclear or natural gas plant with carbon capture. The main requirement…
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2024 Climate / Energy / Environmental Legislation
FINAL DISPOSITION OF BILLS ⭐️= CCLC Legislation Committee ChampionedClick on the bill number to access more details– Scroll past the status report to see details of each bill this session, as introduced by week BILLS SUPPORTED BY THE CCLC THAT PASSED BILLS SUPPORTED BY THE CCLC THAT FAILED BILLS OPPOSED BY THE CCLC THAT FAILED…
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Colorado Must Overcome its Share of Climate Delusions
Published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel on December 12th, 2023 In the early 1970’s, I worked on the adolescent ward of a state mental hospital. One of our patients was a fifteen-year-old – let’s call him Ian – who was smart enough to beat everyone at chess and to speak a bit of several…
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Colorado’s New Air Quality Rules Put Profit Over People
Published in the Denver Post on September 29th, 2023 As a Colorado resident, I am proud that our state has strong laws for greenhouse gas emissions reductions and environmental justice, but these laws mean nothing when regulations are not strong enough to put them into action. The rules the Air Quality Control Commission passed on…
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Xcel’s Clean Heat Plan is Less Than Meets the Eye
Published in the Colorado Sun on August 27th, 2023 Climate change disasters are making headlines on a daily basis. One of the key solutions is to replace polluting natural gas furnaces with clean, high-performance electric heat pumps. Across the country cities and towns like Crested Butte have banned gas in new buildings. Building electrification is…
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2023 Climate Legislation Summary
Posted on July 16th, 2023 The legislature did a lot of great work this year, but also passed a slew of bills that we’re concerned will come back to bite us in the form of billions of taxpayer dollars wasted on the false solution that is carbon capture and sequestration—CCS. We excluded the ‘Utilization’…
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Statement Regarding Concerns About Certain Emerging Technologies
Posted on May 5th, 2023 Summary As Colorado seeks to address the climate challenges of our time, we appreciate efforts to adopt solutions that positively impact our state. However, we have serious concerns surrounding several of the “emerging” technologies being promoted; in particular, carbon capture and sequestration, direct air capture, hydrogen, and nuclear. We are…
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Colorado Should Honor its Legacy as a Place of Healing
Published in Colorado Newsline on May 2nd, 2023 Frances Wisebart Jacobs, a late 19th-century civic leader, is the only woman among the 16 Coloradans memorialized in stained glass on the walls of the Colorado State Capitol rotunda. Jacobs’ legacy includes bringing free kindergarten to Denver and co-founding the organization that would ultimately become the United Way.…
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Ensure that PERA Fossil Fuel Sections Remain in Senate Bill 23-016!
SB23-016, a bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado, has two sections regarding PERA’s fossil fuel investments, one of which is in danger of being amended out in a Senate Finance Committee Hearing on Tuesday, 2/21. Section 2 of the bill would require the PERA board to adopt proxy voting procedures to ensure that…
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Testify on 3/16 to Keep Colorado Nuclear-Free!
In our efforts to keep Colorado nuclear-free as our state plans our necessary transition away from fossil fuels, we have an important hearing coming up related to nuclear power, which would benefit tremendously from public testimony to ensure it does not pass: Thursday, 3/16 at 1:30pm – Urge House Energy & Environment Committee Members to…
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Three questions for the next mayor of Denver
Published in the Colorado Sun on February 11th, 2023 The next mayor of Denver must have a heart that longs to keep all of Denver safe from the effects of the changed and changing climate. The next mayor of Denver must have the skill to lead the city to make Denver a world leader in…
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Action Alert: Letters Needed to Legislators Telling Them About a New Report on How Little Oil and Gas Does for Colorado!
Have you seen the news that oil and gas extraction in our state is only a small fraction of the total economy? That means it is feasible to phase out new permits for wells by 2030. Wouldn’t it be great if the public and our legislators knew this? ***Take 5 minutes now to send this…
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2023 State Climate, Energy, and Environmental Legislation
Following is the bill summary for the entire 2023 Legislative Session. ⭐️ = CCLC Legislation Committee ChampionedClick on the bill number to access more details BILL PASSED THIS SESSION (59 bills; 42 passed; 5 championed by the CCLC Leg Comm, all of which passed) BILLS FAILED THIS SESSION (17 fails) BILL DETAILS WEEK 15 SB23-285…
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Sign Petition Opposing the Guanella Comprehensive Area Plan
PDC Energy has submitted a plan for the development of a 466 well fracking site in Weld County (known as the Guanella Comprehensive Area Plan). The approval of this CAP will indisputably accelerate the climate crisis, further degrade our already poor air quality and permanently deplete our limited water supplies. We can not stand by…
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Public Comment in support of Cumulative Impacts Rulemaking Petition to the COGCC
Six groups, including CCLC members 350 Colorado, WildEarth Guardians, and the Larimer Alliance, have submitted a rulemaking petition to ask the COGCC to make rules to tackle cumulative impacts of oil and gas operations in Colorado. The rules proposed by the co-petitioners will address ozone, climate, and environmental justice among other things. The COGCC wants…
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Action Alert: Tell Your Representative to Stop Manchin’s Dirty Deal!
As part of the deal to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, Senators Manchin and Schumer are introducing a separate piece of legislation that would fast-track permit approvals for dangerous fossil fuel projects in September. We need to tell our Congressional delegation to oppose this act. The bill finally “dropped” on September 21st. As was long…
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The Supreme Court has put us in a Constitutional Crisis and a Climate Crisis
Published in the Colorado Sun on August 6th, 2022 The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate is outraged by the recent Supreme Court decision eviscerating the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The decision is an outright attack on Congress that shatters our checks-and-balances system of government. It signals…
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Colorado Candidate Questionnaire on Climate and Clean Energy
Updated on August 30, 2022 The CCLC recently invited all Colorado Gubernatorial and General Assembly candidates who will be competing in the general election this November to either respond or update their responses to our questionnaire on climate protection and clean energy. A total of 54 candidates who will be on the ballot in November…
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Public Utilities Commission Filing Urging Immediate Closure of the Pueblo Unit 3 Coal Plant
Posted on May 8th, 2022 The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate has filed comments with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission urging the commissioners to close the Pueblo Unit 3 (“Comanche 3”) coal plant now, rather than waiting until 2031 to do so. Instead, Xcel and its ratepayers should stop wasting time and money on…
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Selected Remarks Made at 2022 Earth Day Picnic, March and Rally in Denver
Posted on April 26th, 2022 The following remarks were made by Giselle Herzfeld and Kevin Cross at the Earth Day Picnic, March and Rally held at the Colorado State Capitol and the Denver Federal Reserve Building on Earth Day. Giselle Herzfeld, 350 Colorado If you had a choice between investing your money in destruction and…
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Tell the Xcel Energy Board of Directors and Governor Polis to Close the Pueblo 3 Coal Plant Now!
Please send a short note to the Xcel Board of Directors and Governor Polis telling them to close the Unit 3 coal plant in Pueblo now. Short and very short messages are fine. You can either just send the message in all caps immediately below or use some of the talking points below that to…
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Rally for a Coal-Free Colorado – Let’s Retire Colorado’s Biggest Climate Polluter!
Any day now, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission will decide to approve or reject Xcel Energy’s latest proposal to burn coal at Colorado’s biggest coal plant for 12 more years! Colorado communities can’t afford 12 more years of coal pollution. Please join us in front of Xcel Energy’s Colorado Headquarters to tell Xcel Energy we…
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Urge President Biden to Invoke the Defense Production Act to Ramp up the Deployment of Renewable Energy
The war in Ukraine is a stark illustration of how fossil fuels directly enable global conflict and threaten democracy in addition to driving the climate emergency. Enormous earnings from oil and gas exports provided President Putin with the hard currency needed to fuel his invasion of Ukraine. President Biden took a necessary first step by…
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No, Natural Gas Should Not be Part of our Energy Mix
Published in the Colorado Sun on March 10th, 2022 In their op-ed titled “Natural gas should remain a key option in Colorado’s clean-energy mix,” the authors would have us believe that, long-term, natural gas should be part of the mix for our state’s goals for ending the use of fossil fuels. Let’s be clear: When we have…
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Action Alert: Tell the COGCC to Make the Oil and Gas Industry Pay to Clean up After Itself!
Hello fellow Coloradans (or the 99.9% asked to pay for the mess of billionaires and multi-millionaires): How’d you like to get a bill in the near future for $7.7 billion? That’s what it will cost to close the 52,000 unplugged oil and gas wells in this state. Why are you getting the bill you ask?…
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Action Alert
Tell the COGCC to protect taxpayers from the unscrupulous Oil & Gas Industry! Testify at the COGCC “Financial Assurances” Rulemaking Hearing. Times available are: Thursday, January 20th 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Thursday, January 20th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Friday, January 21st 9:30 am to 12:00 pm Click here to sign up for 2…
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Action Alert: Demand that Governor Polis Declare a Climate Emergency
The Marshall Fire has shown us that no place is immune from climate-fueled disasters – including Boulder County, Colorado. It’s time for us to start acting as if the climate crisis requires immediate action – not action ten to thirty years from now. Please add your name by January 12th to this letter demanding that…
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CCLC on Need for Climate Emergency Declaration
News release dated January 3rd, 2022 Fort Collins, CO – The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate (CCLC) expresses its deepest sympathy for all those impacted by the Marshall Fire in Boulder County. And we applaud the federal government’s recent major disaster declaration, which was facilitated by Governor Polis. As has been reported by Mike…
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Letter to Governor Polis Demanding a Declaration of a Climate Emergency
Delivered on November 19, 2021 Dear Governor Jared Polis, We, the undersigned organizations and state leaders, are writing to call for action to address widespread public concern that in the two years since you signed SB 19-181 and HB 19-1261 into law, the situation with regards to oil and gas pollution and the impacts on…
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Learn How to Advocate Effectively for Climate Solutions
A recent survey found that 72% of people across the world are worried about the impacts of climate change. Here are 350 Colorado, we are too. But the good news is that when ordinary people bind together in a powerful grassroots movement, we are afforded the ability to drive tremendous positive change and create a future…
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Tell CDOT to do its Part to Reduce GHG Pollution
Much of of our pollution comes from vehicles and transportation is one of the biggest areas of spending. Given the urgency of the climate crisis and the 26% pollution reduction promised to all Coloradans by 2025 and 50% by 2030, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) should only be making investments that help achieve this…
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Tell the COGCC to Pause Permits for New Oil and Gas Wells
On September 1st, a coalition of 30 health, environmental, climate and community groups called on Jared Polis’ Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) to protect Coloradans and pause permitting until new financial assurance rules can be adopted. Please add your voice by sending a short e-mail to the commissioners to let them know you…
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Action Alert: Ask Congress to Support a Strong Build Back Better Budget
When Congress returns from its recess in September, it will resume work on the “Build Back Better Budget.” It’s important that this budget include the investments needed to both to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis. Please send a short letter to Colorado’s Congressional Delegation to make sure they receive this message. Please write…
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2021 Colorado Climate/ Energy/ Environmental Legislation Summary
By Jan Rose, CCLC Spokesperson and Legislative Maven Posted on June 16th 2021 Without question, this has been the most consequential session of the General Assembly for climate change legislation in history, with 53 bills introduced! Nearly all the bills we supported passed, and the vast majority of bills we opposed failed. There were 628…
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Action Alert: Tell Colorado’s Senators: No Climate, No Deal!
President Biden’s original infrastructure proposal (more formally, the American Jobs Plan) included major investments related to mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis. However, the compromise bill designed to make infrastructure spending more palatable to Senate Republicans contains very little in the way of climate initiatives. Colorado’s Senators need to hear from us: “No Climate,…
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‘Wait and See’ Won’t Work on Climate
Published in the Boulder Daily Camera on May 27th, 2021 We would like to urge Governor Polis to sign SB21-200 into law when it gets to his desk. In 2019, the Colorado state legislature passed the landmark climate bill, HB19-1261, which set the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2025 and 50%…
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Action Alert: Tell Governor Polis That Colorado Needs to Take Meaningful Action on the Climate Crisis
Governor Jared Polis recently threatened to veto SB21-200: Reduce Greenhouse Gases Increase Environmental Justice, which would require the Colorado Air Quality Commission to move more quickly toward putting rules in place to meet Colorado’s GHG emissions reduction goals. Please send Polis a message telling him not to get in the way of passing this important…
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Coal Burning Not the Right Path to Secure Pueblo’s Future
Published in the Pueblo Chieftain on April 23rd, 2021 Let me be clear. I stand in strong support of the Pueblo community and the bright future that I believe you are on track for. It is highly unlikely, however, that attempting to burn coal at Pueblo Unit 3 (a.k.a. “Comanche 3”) for another 19 years…
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PERA Should Divest from Fossil Fuels for the Climate as well as for Better Returns
Published in the Boulder Weekly on April 22nd, 2021 Colorado legislators and Colorado’s state pension fund — Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) — should be paying close attention to the fact that a bill, HB21-1246 PERA Public Employees’ Retirement Association Divestment From Fossil Fuel Companies, didn’t move forward in committee at the state legislature on…
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Action Alert: Write to House Energy and Environment Committee in Support of Community Choice Electricity
Please submit written testimony to members of the House Energy and Environment Committee in support of HB21-1269: PUC Study of Community Choice Energy before it is heard in committee on Thursday, April 29th. A sample letter, committee member contact information, and a fact sheet on the bill follow: Sample Letter (please personalize) Subject: Please vote ‘yes’…
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House Finance Committee Rejects PERA’s Divestment from Fossil Fuels
News released dated April 20th, 2021 COLORADO — On April 19th Colorado’s House Finance Committee heard HB21-1246 PERA Public Employees’ Retirement Association Divestment From Fossil Fuel Companies, which would have required Colorado’s state pension fund (Public Employees Retirement Association) to divest from fossil fuel companies. Proponents of the bill argued that to not divest from…
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Support HB21-1246: PERA Divestment From Fossil Fuel Companies
The CCLC voted unanimously to support HB21-1246 PERA Public Employees’ Retirement Association Divestment From Fossil Fuel Companies. It will be heard first by the House Finance Committee on Monday, 4/19. Please take one or more of the following actions to support passage of this bill as soon as possible. Please write to members of the…
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35 Prominent Environmental Groups Submit Joint Letter to APCD Re: 2021 GHG Inventory
Released on March 30th, 2021 DENVER — On Monday, 350 Colorado and the Colorado Sierra Club along with the Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate, EcoCycle, Clean Energy Action, Resilient Denver and the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council submitted a joint comment to Colorado’s Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) on the 2021 Draft Greenhouse Gas…
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CCLC Positions on Colorado General Assembly Bills
CCLC Positions on Colorado General Assembly Bills Updated on June 2nd, 2021 The CCLC has taken positions on the following 2021 Colorado General Assembly bills: HB21-1189 | Regulate Air Toxics | Concerning additional public health protections in relation to the emission of air toxics. SPONSORS: Reps Benavidez/Valdez, Sens Gonzales/Moreno SUMMARY: The bill expands upon the…
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Write to your State Senators to urge them to oppose SB21-125: Alternate Proposals Air Quality Control Rulemaking!
SB21-125 | Alternate Proposals Air Quality Control Rulemaking is intended to prevent public participation in the rulemaking process. The bill was heard on 3/9 by the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee, and there was a surprising amount of legislative support—notably by Rachel Zenzinger, the swing vote on the committee. Despite the fact that Colorado Communities…
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Open Letter to our Congressional Delegation: We Need a Green New Deal!
Letter sent on January 22nd, 2021 Dear Members of the Colorado Congressional Delegation: When the Green New Deal Resolution (H. Res. 109 and S. Res. 59) was first introduced in Congress in early 2019, the Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate voted wholeheartedly to endorse it. We communicated that position to you in a letter…
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Groups Decry Xcel Energy’s Move to Slow Down Climate Action in Colorado
News release dated December 4th, 2020 Denver–Groups representing thousands of Coloradans have called into question why Xcel Energy, the state’s largest utility who has long positioned itself as a climate leader, has moved to join litigation to slow climate action in Colorado. The diverse coalition of environmental, justice, health, and climate advocacy groups offered statements…
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PRPA’s energy plan will burn money as well as carbon
October 3, 2020 By Luc Nadeau and Seth Miller Mayor Brian Bagley recently authored an op-ed explaining why he, as a board member of our municipally owned utility Platte River Power Authority (PRPA), will vote to adopt an energy portfolio plan that fails to comply with Longmont’s 2-year-old mandate to achieve 100% carbon-neutral electricity by…
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PRPA’s billion-dollar battery strawman
October 6, 2020 By Marcia Martin Last Thursday, Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) betrayed the people of Longmont. Longmont, Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park founded and own PRPA. It generates and delivers electric power to the four cities. In 2018, each city, starting with Longmont, mandated 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. It’s PRPA’s job…
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Call on PERA to Protect Coloradans by Curbing Fossil Fuel Investments
This past week 350 Colorado and the Fossil Free PERA campaign teamed up with allies in Canada to call out harmful fossil fuel investments made by both Colorado and Canadian pension funds that are directly and adversely impacting Colorado communities. Colorado’s pension fund Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA), which manages the pensions of half a…
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PRPA Should not Build a Gas-fired Power Plant
Published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan on September 19, 2020 The recent collapse of our economy and routine activities is the result of a microscopic coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Without warning the entire human population became vulnerable, some more than others, but there was no populated place on earth that was spared. This pandemic will…
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Jared Polis Moves to Dismiss Himself from Climate Accountability
WildEarth Guardians news release for September 10th, 2020 Denver–Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis moved a court to rule that he has no duty to protect the climate, arguing he is not legally required to achieve legislated greenhouse gas reduction goals in the state. “With this court filing, Governor Jared Polis has sadly made clear that…
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COGCC Mission Change Rulemaking needs your input!
Colorado needs your help. So does the planet. Right now, the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is revising its operating rules to reflect a major change in its mission mandated by law: from ‘fostering’ O&G development to ‘regulating’ O&G in a manner that prioritizes the protection of public health, safety, welfare, the environment…
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We won’t back down on fracking
Published in Colorado Politics on July 30, 2020 Regarding Gov. Polis’ recent announcement that he has worked with both the oil and gas industry and environmental groups to withdraw ballot measures in 2020 and prevent future ballot measures through 2022: The 32 environmental groups that make up the Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate (CCLC) wish…
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Update on ballot initiative 174: 2,500′ fracking safety zones
On July 1, 2020, the Colorado Supreme court invalidated Governor Polis’ emergency rules for collecting petition signatures online and by mail. The initiative sponsor, Safe and Healthy Colorado, therefore decided to suspend its effort to get this initiative on the ballot this year. However, Safe and Healthy Colorado intends to bring this initiative back, and…
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Polis Must Get Colorado on Track to Meet Climate Goals
Published in the Denver Post on July 6th, 2020 While Colorado is leading the way on climate action, its accountability to climate justice remains elusive as the state is still way off track to meet legally required greenhouse gas reduction targets. This lack of climate progress is putting Colorado’s most disproportionately impacted populations—Black and Latino communities,…
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Open letter to AQCC on Potential Path to Meeting 2025 Climate Goal
July 1, 2020 Dear Commissioners Milford, Butler, Gerber, Gonzalez, Grobe, Jones, Rueter, Schendler, and Williams: The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate has supported the adoption of strong greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals by the State since our inception in 2015. We have followed the Air Quality Control Commission’s rulemaking efforts this year with…
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PRPA Intention to Submit a Clean Power Plan
Here is an audio copy of the PRPA Board of Directors meeting that took place on May 28th, 2020. At minute 12:45, staff and the board begin discussing why they believe it is important to submit a “Clean Power Plan” to the State – even though doing so is not a legal requirement. The discussion…
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NCP4CE White Paper on PRPA Integrated Resource Plan
Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy Calls on PRPA to Implement 100% Renewable Energy in the Integrated Resource Plan June 9, 2020 Background Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) is a municipal utility providing power to four cities along the Front Range: Fort Collins, Longmont, Loveland, and Estes Park. Beginning in 2018 with a City Council…
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NCP4CE Calls on PRPA to Implement 100% Renewable Energy in the Integrated Resource Plan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2020 June 9, 2020- Today, Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy released the attached white paper calling on the Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) to Implement 100% renewable energy in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This document outlines compelling data points and central arguments for strengthening PRPA’s commitment to renewable…
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Colorado Candidate Questionnaires on Climate and Clean Energy
Updated on October 16th, 2020 The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate asked Colorado General Assembly and Congressional candidates where they stand on issues related to climate protection and clean energy. As of early October, 75 General Assembly candidates and eight Congressional candidates who are on the ballot this November have responded to questions asking…
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PRPA Staff Should Try Harder to Reach 100% Non-carbon Electricity
Published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan on March 8, 2020 From where we stand, Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) staff should try harder than it has done so far to map a path toward the Utility’s goal of providing 100% non-carbon electricity to its owner communities by 2030. PRPA’s efforts to date fall considerably short…
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Statement on Rulemaking Concerning State Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This statement was delivered at the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission hearing on February 20th, 2020. An earlier version was delivered at the Air Pollution Control Division hearing on January 16th. The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate (CCLC) has advocated for the adoption of strong greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals by the State…
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Milestones on the Path Toward the PRPA’s Commitment to 100% Non-Carbon Electricity by 2030
May 2013: The Fort Collins Sustainability Group (FCSG) develops an advocacy plan for getting the Fort Collins City Council to adopt a goal of 80% community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions by 2030 compared to 2005emission levels. This goal was originally developed by the FCSG during a series of “Climate Solutions Retreats” held in the…
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Climate Science Says Act Now
Published in the Denver Post on August 13th, 2019 Re: “Pollution tax is not ready for prime time,” Aug. 11 editorial The Denver Post’s editorial states it would make more sense to work with all Xcel energy customers on the Front Range to come up with a regional solution. I am part of Resilient Denver.…
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Open Letter to Colorado’s Congressional Delegation
The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate (CCLC) sent a letter to all nine members of Colorado’s congressional delegation on June 24th, 2019 urging them to work on moving legislation forward in Congress that will address the climate crisis. Eight of them (Senators Bennet and Gardner; and Representatives DeGette, Tipton, Buck, Lamborn, Perlmutter and Crow)…
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The Apocalypse Issue
Re: “Lofty goals”, May 26 commentary Vincent Carroll gets a lot right when he targets “Lofty Goals” of changing over everything to new technology for our energy sources. It has not been easy to move Colorado just this far away from burning stuff for our energy. And getting to 100 percent renewable energy will cost.…
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CCLC Urges Bolder Climate Goals in 2020
Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate news release on May 2nd, 2019 Fort Collins, CO – Yesterday, the Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution bill, HB 19-1261, received final approval from the legislature, and is now ready for the Governor’s signature. The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate (CCLC) recognizes and appreciates the historic progress…
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Colorado should set bold climate change goals
Published in the Colorado Independent on April 2nd, 2019 The Colorado General Assembly soon will consider establishing additional climate goals for our state. The bill, HB19-1261, would set goals of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 90% emissions reduction by 2050, both compared to 2005 levels. The bill also reaffirms…
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Oil and gas legislation needs debate of substance
Published in the Denver Post on March 24th, 2019 Re: “Does proposed oil and gas reform go too far or not far enough?” March 17 commentaries by Jon Caldara and Simon Moya Smith I write in reply to Jon Caldara’s Sunday column on SB-181. There are serious issues here. My comments are not intended to…
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CCLC Urges Bolder Climate Goals as New Climate Legislation is Introduced this Week
Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate News Release on March 22nd, 2019 Fort Collins, CO – Yesterday, the long-anticipated bill to establish new climate goals for the State of Colorado was released by its cosponsors in the House and Senate. The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate (CCLC), a broad coalition of 26 member…
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Increase in Global Temperature for Four Different Emissions Scenarios
The graph below shows the projected increase in global average temperature above 1850 levels for four different greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions scenarios. The red line labeled “business as usual” uses Representation Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 emissions projections from the IPCC Fifth Assessment. The orange line labeled “renewable electricity” results from cutting emissions 25% between 2020…
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NCP4CE Applauds PRPA for goal of 100 percent non-carbon electricity by 2030
Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy Applauds Platte River Power Authority for goal of 100 percent non-carbon electricity by 2030 Utility’s Commitment Comes After 100% Clean, Renewable Energy Commitments in Ft. Collins and Longmont For Immediate Release: Thursday December 6, 2018 Media Contacts: Gordon MacAlpine, Estes Valley Clean Energy Coalition, ph. 970-342-4668, gmacalpi@trinity.edu Kevin Cross,…
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National Climate Assessment Requires Us to Take Action
Published in the Denver Post on December 2nd, 2018 Re: “Report: Climate change a threat,” November 24th news story How many times does our government have to hear about the horrors that await us if we don’t tackle climate change? We have the resources; all we need is the political will. Oh – and a…
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More than sad
Published in the Denver Post on October 12th, 2018 It is more than sad that The Denver Post has been fooled by the oil and gas industry scare tactics on Proposition 112 — safe setbacks for fracking operations. There is no way that Prop 112 can be a ban on oil and gas development when…
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Some advice for Jared Polis
Published in the Denver Post on September 2nd, 2018 Re: “Polis heckled during drilling speech,” August 23rd news story This is what Jared Polis should have told the Colorado Oil and Gas Association: “Today I am repeating the message of nuclear physicist Edward Teller when he warned the American Petroleum Institute that emissions from burning…
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Denver Pledges 100% Renewable Electricity By 2030
July 18th, 2018 by Kurt Lowder Denver’s Mayor, who is seeking a third term, has pledged the city will source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. In doing so, Denver has become the 73rd city in the United States to commit to a 100% renewable electricity target; however, few have aimed to complete the…
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Feeling the heat in Colorado
Published in the Denver Post on July 10th, 2018 Thanks to Mike Keefe for his July 7th editorial cartoon comparing hell with Colorado. The fire and fury in our forests gets worse every year. The health consequences of the wildfires burning in the state were emphasized in an article on page 4A the same day:…
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Global warming worsening
Published in the Denver Post on July 2nd, 2018 Thank you for sharing Seth Borenstein’s article “Looking for signs of global warming? They’re all around you,” on June 19th. For over 10,000 years nature kept CO2 in balance at 280 ppm. When Bill McKibben wrote “The End of Nature” in 1989, CO2 had already passed…
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Colorado Candidate Questionnaire on Climate and Clean Energy
Updated on September 27th, 2018 The Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate asked Colorado Gubernatorial, House, and Senate candidates where they stand on issues related to climate protection and clean energy. 51 candidates who will be on the ballot in November responded to seven questions covering renewable electricity goals, greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, oil…
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Senate bill seeks to stop Hickenlooper from following Paris climate accord
A Senate committee debated a bill Wednesday (4/18/18) to take away Gov. John Hickenlooper’s ability to keep Colorado in line with the Paris accord, the multi-nation agreement to address climate change. [The CCLC was there to poke fun at the effort.] When President Trump made that call to pull the U.S. out last year, Hickenlooper…
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