A low-carbon future must be measured in the transformation of the big stuff in the economy — power plants, buildings, and cars.
The Climate Fix
Lower emissions mean cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more resilient, future-oriented economy. In seven years we’ve eliminated 91 million tons of emissions annually by 2030.
- Our Strategy – Aligning the financial interests of utilities with clean energy to drive emissions reductions.
- State Level Leadership – From Colorado’s Clean Heat Plan to New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act, our work empowers states to set the pace for national climate action.
- Accelerated Coal Retirements – Through relentless advocacy, we’ve persuaded utilities to close aging coal plants early and redirect these investments to renewables.
- Transportation and Buildings – We’re accelerating the shift to zero-emissions vehicles and expanding energy-efficient, electrified buildings that reduce emissions and lower costs for communities across the West.
WRA is transforming the energy landscape of the Interior West through bold, state-based policies that drive the clean energy transition and drastically cut carbon emissions.
91 Million Tons
By 2030, WRA has reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions by 91.5 million tons. This includes 85.8 million tons from the power sector, 3.3 million tons from the transportation sector, and 2.2 million tons from the building sector (from 2016 levels).
13,700 Megawatts
Between 2016 and 2024, over 8,000 megawatts of coal were retired in our region, representing almost 46 million tons of emissions. By 2030, 13,700 MW of coal plant capacity will be retired, representing almost 33 million tons of emissions.
$69 Billion
WRA leveraged state-level action and worked directly with utilities to drive $69 billion in clean energy investments across the region. This includes $20B in Arizona, $16B in Nevada, $12B in both Colorado and New Mexico, $4.5B in Wyoming and $4B in Utah.
What we love about WRA is its ability to see the bigger picture and provide a clear roadmap for transformative climate action.
The Power of States
- Where change happens. Legislatures, utility commissions, and local agencies set the rules for energy and natural resources, so WRA targets state forums where bold ideas can be tested, refined, and scaled.
- Challenges are mounting. Heat, drought, wildfires, and surging electricity demand are reshaping utility decisions and raising costs – making smart, state‑level policy more critical than ever.
- Wins must be defended. Successes like Colorado’s Clean Heat Plan and New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act show what’s possible, but progress is fragile; WRA’s long‑term vigilance keeps those gains alive.
Scaling Success
- Tailor, then replicate. Every state’s politics and utilities differ, so WRA adapts proven Climate Fix tools to local realities and then spreads the model across the region.
- Build power where it’s hard. In tougher states like Utah and Arizona, we pair emissions cuts with job creation and cost‑savings to win durable, bipartisan support.
- Multiply the successes. Each state‑level win strengthens momentum, inspiring new policies and pushing the West, and the nation, closer to the deep cuts science demands.
Protecting the West
- Closing in on the finish line. Leading utilities are down to the last 10‑15 % of power‑sector emissions. It will be difficult, but is essential to hit climate targets.
- Beyond the grid. Deep cuts now hinge on tougher sectors: electrifying transportation and buildings while protecting the rivers and lands across the region.
- Creativity and capacity. Meeting the next wave of challenges demands new technology, larger teams, and the same relentless persistence that powered our electricity wins.
The Climate Fix initiative proved that you don’t have to wait for national consensus to drive real change.
Boost our Momentum
Your gift today supports the legal expertise, research, and on-the-ground advocacy that turns bold ideas into binding state action – retiring more coal, unleashing more renewables, and safeguarding the West’s rivers and lands.
