In November, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) ruled that several coal and gas plants must be retired no later than Dec. 31, 2028 – earlier than the initially planned date. According to EPA calculations, the early retirement of the Craig 3, Nixon, and Rawhide coal plants could equal taking 1.3 million cars off the road for an entire year in terms of carbon redution. If these three units, along with coal plants Hayden 1 and 2 (which, as of Monday, are on track to close ahead of schedule), were retired early, Coloradans could save approximately $68 million, and reduce nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide emissions.
While this ruling was a grand success for Colorado communities, public lands and air, coal utilities have already successfully worked to stop it. On Dec. 16, the AQCC voted to reverse its decision to retire three coal plants by 2028. X-cel Energy, Tri-State G&T, Colorado Springs Utilities and Platte River Power Authority are primarily responsible for the AQCC’s reversal.
After a summer of record-breaking wildfires, Coloradoans understand the dire threat of air pollution and climate change. As a young student concerned deeply for the future, I encourage you to contact the AQCC and let them know your support for retiring coal plants by 2028. Colorado can no longer lag in its efforts to move away from coal, and utilities only make the transition to clean energy proceed slower.
Soleil GaylordTelluride, CO
