Defeated Legislation That Would Have Undermined State Authority to protect Public Health and Achieve Clean Air

2016

WRA testified and helped defeat Colorado Senate Bill 157, which would have prohibited environmental or utility regulators from undertaking action to reduce carbon pollution from the power sector until the United States Supreme Court lifted the current stay of the Clean Power Plan. This bill would have undermined the State’s existing authority to protect public health and clean air. Senate Bill 157 was defeated in the House.

Increased Access to Community Solar Gardens for Low-Income and Underserved Residential Customers

2016

Solar gardens allow subscribers to share solar arrays. WRA was instrumental in securing the Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s approval of an agreement with Xcel Energy that will increase access to community solar gardens for underserved residential and low-income customers. The decision also makes possible 60 MW of additional community solar projects becoming available.

Accelerated Retirement of Nevada Coal Plant and Acquired more Clean and Low-Cost Solar for Southern Nevada

2016

WRA worked with partners to support Nevada Power Company’s accelerated retirement of the Reid Gardner 4 coal plant in February 2017, thereby reducing carbon pollution. WRA also successfully advocated for the acquisition of the Techren Solar Photovoltaic Project. The Techren Project will supply energy to the utility under a 25-year agreement with the lowest-cost solar energy yet seen (as of the end of 2016) in Nevada and the nation.

Stopped a $52 Million Investment in New Mexico Coal Plant

2016

WRA successfully challenged the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s plans to unnecessarily invest $52 million in the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station. If the regulators had supported the investment, it could have helped extend the life of that coal plant in New Mexico, delaying the effort to reduce carbon emissions and advance clean energy.