After thousands of calls and letters from Sierra Club members and supporters, we achieved a significant victory last week in Colorado when Governor John Hickenlooper (above) issued an executive order outlining a much needed vision for the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He also formally made Colorado the first state in the Intermountain West to commit to the goals of the Paris climate accord by joining the U.S. Climate Alliance. As part of the announcement, the governor emphasized the importance of clean air to the state’s identity, highlighted Colorado’s robust clean energy sector that has driven both economic growth and diversification, and underscored the importance of keeping energy costs competitive and affordable as we develop a cleaner, 21st century energy economy.
First and foremost, a thank-you is in order. We have a deep appreciation for the governor’s actions as well as the tireless commitment of individuals, communities, and coalitions around the state who have demanded that our elected officials fight for a more aggressive path toward a clean, sustainable, and equitable energy future. This announcement validates that our voices matter and engagement can lead to meaningful change. Now comes the hard part: we have a huge amount of work to do to turn this vision into reality.
It’s important to understand that the executive order itself does not compel any action on behalf of utilities or other industries. As the governor stated, “the plan is voluntary and the goals are aspirational.” We all have a responsibility to capitalize on this powerful framework by demanding actionable progress toward these new goals, which includes not only economy-wide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, but also specific commitments in the electric, transportation, and building sectors, and a formalized effort to support communities most affected by a changing energy economy. Progress in these areas is especially important for a state that still gets roughly 80 percent of its electricity from fossil fuels and is the 6th largest natural gas producer in the nation.
Despite the challenges ahead, we have plenty of momentum to build upon in Colorado. In his speech, the governor highlighted the progress of the Sierra Club's Ready for 100 campaign for 100 percent clean, renewable energy in cities across the state, specifically noting Pueblo’s recent commitment. Below, a Ready for 100 event in Aspen earlier this year. The Colorado cities of Aspen, Boulder, Denver, and Pueblo have all set goals for 100 percent clean energy, and Aspen already gets all its electricity from renewable sources.
Our Beyond Coal campaign is also ramping up efforts to decarbonize the electric sector by 2030, a goal informed by scientific consensus to mitigate the most devastating impacts of climate change; not to mention dirty fossil fuel pollution that disproportionately affects the health of communities of color and low income communities. Working together, the Ready for 100 and Beyond Coal campaigns are driving the transition away from an outdated fossil-fuel economy and working with communities, cities, and partners across the state to build a sustainable and equitable 21st century clean energy economy.
Below, a solar array in Boulder.
Photo courtesy of Clean Energy Coalition
There is no "silver bullet" when it comes to addressing climate change. No executive order or piece of legislation will allow us to dust our hands off and head home. With a federal government that has walked away from science and global leadership on this issue, we must build a stronger and more diverse movement demanding a just and sustainable future. Let’s draw upon the vision that the Governor Hickenlooper has outlined to counteract the political tribalism that has hijacked the conversation and work together to forge solutions that benefit our public health, our environment, our economy, and our communities. Sierra Club members and supporters have made significant progress advocating for a clean energy future at the state and local level, and now we have to keep up the pressure to make sure we achieve the goals set forth by the governor.
Zach Pierce in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with the Teton Range in the background.