As Colorado pushes toward its ambitious climate goals, the delicate balance between clean energy development and land conservation has become paramount. While WRA and environmental advocates have passed legislation and won commitments that put electric utilities on track to reduce emissions, advance clean cars and trucks, electrify buildings, and decarbonize gas utilities, this requires more clean energy than ever before. To be successful in meeting these goals, we must focus on the next step in this process — where to place clean energy infrastructure through smart energy siting.
Renewable energy projects, like wind and solar, require large swaths of land — meaning we need to be mindful of not sacrificing our land protection goals as they are developed. WRA has been a leader in championing the need for smart energy siting. This approach seeks a planned and orderly transition to clean energy that protects habitats and communities.
We sat down with Severiano DeSoto, WRA’s energy siting policy advisor, to delve into the intricacies of this work.
What is energy siting, and why is it crucial for our climate goals?
Energy siting is the process of strategically selecting and evaluating potential locations for energy projects by considering environmental, economic, and social impacts. Smart energy siting goes further by also assessing effects on wildlife, biodiversity, and land conservation opportunities. Thus, the only way we can meet our climate goals is by simultaneously safeguarding Colorado’s environment.
How does WRA balance the need for new clean energy development with its aggressive land conservation goals?
Our goal is to accelerate the deployment of clean energy while conserving 30% of Colorado’s lands by 2030. This balancing act recognizes that new clean energy projects will lead to habitat loss if the state fails to properly plan for the transition. WRA collaborates with partners through the Colorado Energy Siting Coalition, striving to ensure a clean energy transformation that accounts for both conservation and community interests.
What is WRA’s approach to policy development, and why does it set us apart?
WRA’s process involves engaging a diverse array of stakeholders, from local governments, developers, and utilities to environmental groups, Tribes, and state agencies. This inclusive approach helps us co-develop policy solutions that prioritize climate, conservation, and communities. Our unique focus on both land conservation and clean energy makes us ideally positioned to ensure the clean energy transition not only benefits people and communities across the state, but also centers the needs of wildlife and nature as we advocate for a more sustainable future.
What does energy siting in Colorado look like currently, and what challenges does it present?
Currently, siting authority rests at the county level, with local officials making project approval decisions. However, with 64 counties having distinct regulations, this can be a burdensome process for developers. Colorado needs a more coordinated approach to site clean energy projects, focusing on low-conflict areas to minimize impacts on natural lands.
How did the Colorado Energy Siting Coalition come about and what are its goals?
The Coalition naturally formed in 2022 due to a shared concern for the potential impacts of clean energy goals. With the release of impactful reports by organizations like The Nature Conservancy, there was a growing recognition of the need for smart energy siting. The Coalition’s primary mission is to accelerate clean energy deployment while ensuring appropriate conservation and accounting for community values.
What is WRA’s role within the Coalition, and what steps are being taken toward policy development?
WRA is playing a leading role in organizing and coordinating the Coalition’s efforts. We are conducting policy analysis and research by studying local siting policies and drawing from examples across states. Our aim is to improve coordination between state climate and conservation goals and local decision making, while also addressing the cumulative impacts of new development. A fundamental part of this work will be to raise public awareness about the nexus between clean energy, biodiversity, and land conservation goals and to build community and stakeholder support for options that address this problem. The result will be a final policy proposal slated for introduction during the 2024 legislative session.
How are you involving stakeholders in the process?
We are hosting a series of meetings to gather diverse perspectives on energy siting across the state. Former Gov. Bill Ritter helped facilitate the initial round where we engaged with over 90 stakeholders, including county commissioners, developers, environmental organizations, and utilities. We’re reviewing all of these conversations to identify areas of agreement and tension about site selection for clean energy projects so we can best develop a comprehensive policy framework. We’re specifically looking at things like the balance between local and state jurisdiction, the state’s role in identifying least-conflict areas, impacts to disproportionately affected communities, and integration of environmental evaluation in project selection criteria. This is an iterative process, and we plan to continue to engage our stakeholders along the way.
In your perfect world, how does this all come together in Colorado?
In an ideal scenario, Colorado would have a well-managed, high-level state plan that considers the cumulative impacts of clean energy projects. This plan would be adopted through state legislation and would ensure equitable distribution and minimal negative tradeoffs for communities hosting these developments, all while protecting wildlife and natural resources.
