Investing in the Sun- Economic and Environmental Benefits of Developing 1,000 Megawatts of Distributed Generation Solar in Colorado 3/02/2010

Colorado is quickly becoming a leader in the “New Energy Economy” as the state pursues one of the most ambitious clean energy requirements in the country-- a 30% renewable electricity standard by 2020. Even under current law, Colorado is already ahead of the curve, requiring 20% of the state’s electricity to come from renewable resources, with 0.8% of total electricity coming from solar energy. The specific solar standard requires that half of the solar brought online must come from “distributed generation” (DG) solar that is located on-site at customers' homes and businesses. While both large-scale central station and DG solar have an important role in the state’s clean energy future, as the industry has developed over the past few years it has become clear that DG solar brings a particular set of benefits to Colorado. DG solar supports local business growth and allows every Coloradan to directly contribute to the New Energy Economy by producing their own clean electricity. DG solar also helps utilities reduce costs of purchasing expensive peak power electricity and updating grid infrastructure-- all cost savings that ultimately benefit ratepayers.

Generating Failure 1/05/2010

Far from being a solution to global warming, nuclear power will actually set America back in the race to reduce pollution. Nuclear power is too slow and too expensive to make enough of a difference in the next two decades. Moreover, nuclear power is not necessary to provide clean, carbon-free electricity for the long haul. The up-front capital investment required to build 100 new nuclear reactors could prevent twice as much pollution over the next 20 years if invested in energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy instead. Taking into account the ongoing costs of running the nuclear plants, a clean energy path would deliver as much as five times more progress for the money.