Colorado doesn’t have an energy source problem; it has an energy production problem. In the new economy, an abundance of power will be needed just to stay competitive. Fortunately, Colorado is blessed with numerous sources of energy. From large deposits of oil and natural gas, to abundant sunshine, strong winds, geothermal opportunities, and mineable coal, we have what it takes to meet the energy needs of tomorrow. When combined with the promise of advanced nuclear power, I have no doubt that Colorado can meet those challenges.

The first step is agreeing that government should not decide which energy source it prefers. Its role is to establish clear and consistent rules, protect public safety, and pave the way for greater energy production. Those rules should include strong liability requirements when people or their property are harmed, but we cannot make Colorado a place that is hostile to energy production. More affordable energy means a lower cost of living, a lower cost of doing business, and a stronger economy. Through cheaper and more abundant energy, every Coloradan wins.
 

Oil & Gas

Although we don’t know what the future holds, the present is perfectly clear; oil and gas is not going away anytime soon. Not only do we depend on oil and gas for our daily lives, but over 20,000 Coloradans directly depend on this industry for their livelihood and Colorado relies on over $1.2 billion dollars in tax revenue from oil and gas, too. We must protect the environment and future generations from potentially dangerous carcinogen exposure, while also ensuring our energy needs can be met with all available resources.

 

As governor, I promise to address the concerns of the oil and gas industry in three ways:

 

• Identify and then eliminate unnecessary permitting delays as well assimplify the permitting process.

• Issue an executive order which states: Every executive agency shall identify every permitting requirement, application requirement, guidance document, or policy that isnot expressly required by statute. Within 180 days, agencies shall recommend which of those requirements should be eliminated, simplified, or consolidated.

• The creation of a unified application process where any documents necessary for a project can be delivered to a single point of contact where it will be distributed internally to all necessary agencies within five business days.

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Solar

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With around 250 days of sunshine per year and an elevation which increases solar production by
around 5-10% more than lower elevations, Colorado is a fantastic state for solar power. Many of our citizens are already choosing to put solar panels on their homes without the government telling them that they must. As governor, I would push for state buildings to be part of lowering taxpayer energy costs through installing solar panels where they make sense, either offsetting use or creating enough power to contribute back to the grid.

Wind

The wind industry has become a large part of Colorado’s energy backbone, responsible for over 25% of all energy production in the state while employing nearly 8,000 people. One real positive is that wind turbines still allow for agriculture to occur in the area around them while providing farmers with annual payments for allowing wind operations on their land. Many communities have concerns regarding wind farms, and the bulk of decisions regarding wind farms should land at the local level.

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As governor, I will actively work in three areas to provide greater support for the wind industry:

 

• Transparent, streamlined, and simplified permitting processes for transmission projects.

• Expansion of technical training for the skilled jobs needed as the industry grows.

• Explore possibilities for energy production on state-owned lands

Coal

 

With nearly a quarter of all of Colorado’s power production still coming from coal, I do not believe we can make the goal of 2031 to retire all coalfired power plants. 1,000 Coloradans still earn their living through the mines with hundreds more working in coalfired power plants. Although mining isn’t the economic backbone for the state that it once was, the Yampa Valley and small communities around the West Elk Mine still rely on mines as part of their economic needs. The Craig Station power plant accounts for one third of the local school district’s property tax revenue. As governor, I cannot get in the way of decisions already made through the legislature, but I can use the bully pulpit to force them back into a discussion with the people who will be impacted by the decline of the coal mining industry and the closure of coalfired power plants. With time still remaining, we don’t have to leave our neighbors without opportunity.

Nuclear

 

Nuclear energy is essential to providing affordable electricity and the capacity to support the businesses and technologies of tomorrow. Yet while nuclear power plants operate safely in 28 states, Colorado has none. Although advanced discussions are underway regarding projects in Colorado, the state's overall pace has been slow. House Bill 26-1337, while well-intentioned, had very long timelines and still did not become law.

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With the introduction of small modular reactors, nuclear energy no longer requires the footprint it once did. Although there are hurdles with water usage that must be addressed, these small reactors can produce the power our economy needs to grow while bringing more than 100 well-paying jobs to every community where they are built. I believe that we can take a lot of potential energy stress off the shoulders of communities if we make small nuclear an option for large data centers and other industrial operations. As governor, I will pursue energy policies rooted in the needs of the future while always making sure the right guardrails are in place to protect the environment and our communities.

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• Work with the legislature to create a clean path for small modular reactors to become a large part of Colorado energy production, with an urgency placed on clearing the way for these projects to begin construction before 2033 in order to qualify for the Inflation Reduction Act and One Big Beautiful Bill Act incentives.

• Strengthen Colorado’s radiological emergency preparedness by expanding the training, equipment, and coordination of existing hazmat teams rather than creating a new agency.

• Work with the legislature and industry leaders to create a framework for data centers and other large industrial consumers of energy to utilize internal nuclear reactors to handle their energy needs, rather than utilizing local power sources and increasing energy costs for consumers.

• Work with communities and tech leaders to develop job training for communities where nuclear plants are planned. This gives us the opportunity to not only provide energy but provide opportunities for many small communities across the state, too.

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Storage and Transmission

Should we focus on increasing production of all energy sources in Colorado, the returns could be
incredible. Unfortunately, it would mean nothing if we don’t continue to expand energy transmission projects throughout the state. The legislature cannot drag their feet on this issue as it is the lynchpin in making sure Colorado is a player in the modern economy. And rather than being unprepared should the day come when we are producing a significant energy surplus as a state, as governor I will press the legislature to work out legislation aimed at incentivizing future energy storage facilities.