Colorado’s renewable energy transition too slow
Five years into the Gov. Jared Polis Administration, the facts show that Colorado is making dangerously slow progress in transitioning to renewable energy.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration just released the 2023 electric generation numbers. This data shows that burning coal remains the number one source for generating electricity in Colorado.
To understand how truly backward this is, look at comparisons. Colorado generates 33% of its electricity from burning coal. But nationwide, burning coal only makes up 16% of our electric generation. Colorado is twice as dependent on coal as the nation. On a state level, 11 states do not burn any coal to generate electricity and neighboring Oklahoma only gets 6% of its electricity from burning coal.
On the other side of the coin, Colorado gets 28% of its electricity from wind farms. In comparison, Iowa gets bout 60% of its electricity from wind farms and New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and North Dakota all significantly exceed Colorado’s percentage.
For solar, while Colorado gets 9%, Utah gets about 14%. Massachusetts generates more electricity from solar, in absolute terms, even though Colorado is 10 times larger.
The science shows we don’t have time for the slow pace of Colorado’s transition. We need to transition away from fossil fuels at a pace more like Iowa than Colorado.
Robert Ukeiley, Boulder
Put weight on presidential support staff
For the voters who are undecided between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, or those who are uncomfortable crossing party lines, perhaps comparing their cabinets and advisors would help.
Trump had a revolving door of appointees whose selections seemed more personal than professional. All presidents rely on their advisors. So, it’s important that they are qualified and focused on the mission of their appointment. I feel that Biden’s selections have reflected this more than Trump’s did.
If the plethora of books written about the negativity and dysfunction in the Trump White House were true, then it is disturbing to possibly return to that scenario. It appears that Trump is already using the same selection tactics with the RNC chair and possible vice president candidates. We are in the midst of many serious worldwide issues. A change in advisors now would be disruptive. A return to draining the swamp would be catastrophic.
Patricia Scott, Denver
Motivation from the U.S. Constitution
Re: “Enbrel: State to cap price of arthritis drug” Feb. 24 news story
One fundamental motivation wasn’t mentioned to make these life-saving drugs and procedures, such as cancer treatments, affordable to the majority of Americans: the U.S. Constitution’s Preamble words “…promote the general Welfare.”
Ken Valero, Littleton
Opening eyes to border life
Re: “Family ranch swallowed up in the madness of the border,” Feb. 29 news story
Thank you for printing the article about how the immigration issue at the Mexico border is impacting ranchers who own abutting property in Arizona. It was educational to me to read about what the ranchers deal with every day and how they have to be prepared for whatever they might find when they drive their property. It really opened my eyes to what is actually happening there. It is very sad and disturbing for everyone.
Marsha Sliter, Highlands Ranch
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