Allen Best’s columns are, in my opinion, a rich and trustworthy source of information. I appreciate his work, though I disagree with the framing of his latest piece (Herald, April 20). Comparing the length of committee testimony on two unrelated energy bills doesn’t offer much insight.
The bill to add nuclear energy as a clean energy resource (HR25-1040) has been under discussion for years. Nuclear power provokes strong reactions on both sides, so it’s no surprise that the hearing drew many witnesses and extended testimony.
HR25-1040 aligns Colorado’s statute with science: Nuclear energy qualifies as a clean energy resource because it “generates or stores electricity without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.” This new law includes nuclear as a future zero-carbon possibility. Utilities and regulators will take cost, safety and local support into account.
The bill to optimize Colorado’s electric transmission system (SB25-127) is new this year, based on detailed research from the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority. It’s about efficiency – an enormously valuable goal that almost nobody cares to comment on. SB25-127 also appears to be sailing through, passing the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on an 8-1 vote. Advanced transmission technology planning is a vital next step with the potential to address multiple challenges at relatively low cost.
I support both bills. Sincere thanks to Sen. Simpson, Sen. Liston and their colleagues from both parties for doing the hard work of legislating our energy future. And thanks to Allen for continuing to bring these stories to light.
Kathy Fackler
Durango
