Wind power: A Coloradan success story

Colorado already generates enough energy from wind turbines to power 500,000 homes, growing nearly 40 percent in 2011 alone, and supporting thousands of jobs in our state. But the continued success of wind power is at risk — both in Colorado and acros the nation — if Congress does not act now.

At stake: Our clean energy future.

This year, critical federal tax credits for renewable energy are set to expire. If Congress does not renew them, the wind industry will likely lose at least 1,400 Colorado jobs, and we will lose hard-won momentum on clean energy.

With powerful polluting interests like the coal and oil industry lobbying against these incentives, Congress needs to stand up for wind power and the future of clean energy in Colorado and the rest of America.

Inspiring support

The biggest polluters have powerful influence in Washington, D.C., and they have worked to build opposition and political stalemate on clean energy advancement, putting our progress at risk. But even though polluters have loud voices and deep pockets, there is no denying that wind power has been a success in Colorado and nationwide — creating pollution-free energy, a cleaner and healthier future, and much-needed green jobs.

Because of that success, clean energy incentives have gained bipartisan political and public support that we can mobilize to convince Congress to act now. So Environment Colorado is bringing citizens together to give our decision-makers the support they need to make sure clean energy tax credits are extended before the end of the year.

Together we can win

Members and supporters like you make it possible for our staff to conduct research, make our case to the media, testify in Washington, D.C., and build the grassroots support necessary to create a clean energy future for all Americans. Call on our legislators to defend wind power today.

Clean Energy updates

News Release | Environment Colorado

New Report: Wind Energy Yields Major Environmental and Public Health Benefits for Colorado

Wind energy in Colorado each year saves a billion gallons of water while avoiding emissions of air pollutants equivalent to that produced by half a million cars, according to a report released today by Environment Colorado. Between 2000 and 2011, production of electricity from wind energy in Colorado grew from zero to 4.7 million megawatt-hours (MWh), and is now producing nearly 10 percent of the state’s electricity.

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Report | Environment Colorado

Cool Breeze: Less Pollution and More Water Savings from Wind Energy in Colorado

Fossil fuel-fired power plants are major sources of air pollution in Colorado. This air pollution harms our health and contributes to global warming. Fossil fuel power plants also consume significant amounts of the state’s precious water supplies. Wind energy, in contrast, has none of these problems. It produces no air pollution, makes no contribution to global warming, and uses no water.

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News Release | Environment Colorado

New Online Factsheet Details Recent Extreme Weather in Colorado

Environment Colorado today released a new online factsheet that shows the extent of recent extreme temperatures, wildfires and heavy downpours in Colorado.

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Report | Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center & Partners

A Success Story for Homes and Businesses in Colorado Serviced by Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy

House Bill 07-1037, passed by the legislature in 2007, directed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to establish energy savings goals for investor-owned electric and gas utilities. The bill also directed the PUC to provide utilities with the opportunity to earn a profit from implementing cost-effective energy efficiency programs for their customers.

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News Release | Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center & Partners

Landmark Policy Reduced Energy Use by the Equivalent of 100,000 Homes Reduces Natural Gas, Water and Air Pollution Too

It’s been five years since the Colorado legislature passed a law, HB 07-1037, which directed the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to develop energy efficiency goals and incentives for the state’s investor-owned utilities including Xcel Energy Inc. and Black Hills Energy Corporation.  As a result, the electric utilities invested $166 million in efficiency programs for their business and residential customers.  In hindsight, was it worth it?

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