Coal: Too Expensive for Our Wallets and Our Health
This week, Sierra Club released a report on the Economic Analysis of Options for Replacing the Ray D. Nixon Coal Unit. The report was done by the Applied Economics Clinic. The study examined the long-term costs of continuing to burn coal at Nixon Unit 1 compared to three options for retiring and replacing the coal unit: renewables and battery storage; converting the unit to burn gas, plus renewables and battery storage; and small nuclear reactor (SMR). The study finds that replacing Nixon with a nuclear SMR plant is the most expensive option. Burning coal at Nixon for the long run is the second most expensive option. Customers would see the most savings if Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) rapidly pursued clean energy capacity before the federal tax credits expire. See full report here.
Sierra Club is continuing to monitor CSU's plans for the region's energy future. We urge CSU to pursue clean energy solutions, like solar and wind, and leave 20th century technologies like coal and nuclear in the past where they belong.
Join us for our Volunteer and Member Appreciation Party!
The Pikes Peak Group is having a Volunteer and Member Appreciation party on December 9th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Goat Patch Brewery, 2727 North Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs.
This will be a fun social event to thank everyone who has contributed to our mission this past year and to get to know each other a little better. And your first beverage is on us! There is both a food truck and a nacho restaurant next door for any food you might want to purchase. It should be a fun time celebrating community and our shared vision for a better Colorado Springs. We hope to see you there! Register here.
December News
Conservation Report
By Jim Lockhart
For updates on the group's campaigns and issues, please click here.
Creek Week a Big Success!
The Fountain Creek Watershed District (FCWD) is grateful for all the volunteers that helped make Creek Week a big success. The Pikes Peak group is committed to continuing to work with FCWD for years to come! Next year's Creek Week will be September 26th-October 4th, 2026. In the meantime, keep an eye on FCWD's calendar for other events. Click here for the summary report on 2025 Creek Week.
It's Time!
Cast your vote for the Pikes Peak Group Executive Committee. Members should have gotten an e-mail message or postcard with your ballot or ballot information.
Voting Deadline: December 18th, 2025, 12:00 p.m.
Please reach out to the group if you haven't received your ballot yet.
Save the Date!
Make sure to mark your calendars because the Pikes Peak group will be holding an "Inning" on January 29, 2026. An "Inning" is similar to an Outing. We will get together for an evening of fun, socializing and brainstorming on how to become an even more effective environmental group here in the Pikes Peak region. Bring your enthusiasm and your party hat!