 
Results in Colorado:
In Colorado, community involvement in the clean energy movement was strengthened over the past few weeks by the Sierra Club's Power 2 Change campaign. Campaign organizers and volunteers asked residents to pledge that they'll ask Colorado candidates up and down the ballot to make clean energy a top priority in this November's election. The campaign brought nearly 6,000 constituents to the table to fight against powerful oil drilling interests and for conservation. Through relentless grassroots campaign efforts, organizers were able to open the eyes of the citizens of Colorado and make alternative energy and conservation one of the top issues in the election.
Below: good and bad energy actions in this state, as profiled in our report.
 After Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved a minimum renewable electricity standard (RES) for the state (which lawmakers soon doubled to the current 20% RES), one major energy provider committed to taking steps toward that clean energy future for Colorado.
Xcel, the state's largest utility, will replace four coal-fired power generating units at two plants with natural gas, while also increasing wind and solar power generation. The utility will also increase its plants' energy efficiency. The measures are being taken not only to meet the state's 20% RES, but they are also meant to decrease the utility's carbon footprint and meet Governor Bill Ritter's goal of 80% greenhouse gas reductions by 2050.
Xcel says these measures will bring many good paying jobs to Colorado, and its "Colorado Resource Plan" was met with overall enthusiasm by conservationists and the general public. The plan is now up for public comment, and while some our worried that coal companies are attempting to derail the plan, others are speaking out to support clean, renewable energy to power Colorado.
Thomas Acampora never thought about the financial savings he would see when he installed his first solar photovoltaic home heating system - but that two kilowatts of solar energy has proven to be a huge reason why his energy bill is now nearly zero. Acampora has become a model for many on home solar power installation and other residential energy savings programs, frequently opening his home to tours of his renewable energy solutions. The success in savings and interest now has him planning to double the size of his photovoltaic solar power system to four kilowatts. Acampora says he is just doing his part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2% per year through 2050.
Roan Plateau threatened by increased gas drilling
 The Roan Plateau on the western slope of Colorado is an icon of the state's wild country, a rugged unspoiled area that provides excellent, nationally-recognized hunting and fishing opportunities, as well as places for families to camp, hike, play together and seek some relaxation and solitude.
Unfortunately, the Roan Plateau has been targeted by the Bureau of Land Management as an area in which to significantly increase gas drilling operations. These increased drilling operations are completely unnecessary given the profusion of nearby untapped wells already permitted in place but going unused. If they go forward at the level planned, the operations will likely destroy the area's abundant wildlife habitat as well as human recreation and enjoyment of this unspoiled area.
Colorado citizens and leaders have put forward plans to delay, mitigate or limit drilling operations on the plateau. The majority of local leaders oppose further drilling permits as well - including an odd alliance of conservation groups and ranchers - but none of the recommendations meant to save the region have been approved. Instead, a vocal minority of old school energy corporations addicted to oil are pushing the drilling proposals forward despite public sentiment.
Conservation groups and community advocates are urging sportsmen, campers and others who care about maintaining the integrity of the Roan Plateau as an integral part of Colorado's natural legacy to vote this fall and choose leaders who wish to conserve Colorado's recreational heritage and wildlife habitat. The choice is clear - vote for change or vote for leaders who are willing to sacrifice these special places and instead drill for the last drop of oil and gas anywhere and everywhere in Colorado.
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