In a year when communities across Colorado looked to the state Capitol for bold climate action, too many lawmakers responded with half-measures, false solutions, or worse—silence. Amid a renewed federal assault on environmental protections and science under President Trump’s second term, Colorado had both the opportunity and the obligation to lead. Instead, 2025 was marked by alarming backsliding, dangerous concessions, and a failure to meet the urgency of the climate crisis.
Despite holding a Democratic trifecta, the Colorado General Assembly advanced bills that favored experimental technologies like nuclear power and carbon capture over proven climate solutions. Legislation like HB25-1040, which redefines nuclear power as a “clean” energy source, was pushed through even after similar proposals were rejected in previous years. These bills threaten to distract, delay, and derail our transition to the renewable energy future Coloradans overwhelmingly support.
Efforts to pass bold legislation—like a 100% clean energy standard—were sidelined in favor of corporate handouts to tech giants and legislation that could weaken core environmental agencies. For Sierra Club Colorado and our allies, this session was a wake-up call: climate leadership cannot be assumed just because a party is in power. It must be earned—through courage, action, and a willingness to defy special interests.
And yet, there were bright spots. Grassroots organizing, fierce advocacy, and the relentless pressure of everyday Coloradans helped defeat several harmful bills and pushed forward important wins in wildlife protection, transparency, and infrastructure improvements. Sierra Club members and volunteers showed up— testifying, lobbying, and refusing to back down.
This scorecard reflects not only the votes cast, but the values held. It tells the story of a session that too often chose political safety over environmental justice. We thank the champions who stood firm, and we call on every legislator: the time to act boldly is now. The climate crisis isn’t waiting. Neither are we.
2025-scorecard.pdf