COLORADO SPRINGS — Head first in a dust-choked coal pulverizer, a heavy wrench knocking against a balky part hidden out of sight, body encased in an insulated safety suit as temperatures soared to 140 degrees, Chris Cox’s mind could have wandered to other career paths. How about a switch to an easier job without imminent […]
just transition
Posted inBusiness, Economy, Energy, Environment, News, Outdoors
Coal is fading in northwest Colorado. The region is betting its economic future on another natural resource.
DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT — The 10 rafts are secured to the banks of the Green River. The tents are up. The sun is setting over the sandstone canyon walls. As 30 rafters dig into steaming bowls of chili, it’s time to start planning for the future. How can northwest Colorado entice and manage visitors, protect […]
Posted inClimate, Energy, Environment, News, Politics and Government
Colorado governor signs bill providing $15M to help coal-dependent workers, towns transition to clean energy
Gov. Jared Polis has signed into law a measure that provides $15 million in seed money to help workers and municipalities dependent on coal mines and plants transition to a clean energy economy. The law funding the state Office of Just Transition seeks to help those who lose their jobs as utilities increase their use […]
Posted inClimate, Environment, News
Colorado wants to help after coal leaves town. It’s going to take time. And a lot of money.
A state plan to support the economies of 11 Colorado counties where coal mines and power plants are closing anticipates a price tag of at least $100 million to help workers and their communities. The state wants to help coal communities however it can, but the people who spent more than a year developing the […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Colorado’s “just transition” for coal communities needs infrastructure investments
Coal mining and coal-powered electricity have supplied Colorado with stable jobs and essential energy resources for generations. As our state’s energy economy transitions to 100% renewables by 2040, policymakers are striving to ensure that coal workers and their communities are given new access to jobs and economic opportunity – a goal that the state has […]