By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
Colorado is at an energy crossroads, and House Bill 25-1040 is now sitting on Governor Jared Polis’ desk, awaiting his decision. The bill, which recognizes nuclear energy as part of the state’s clean energy portfolio, has gained rare bipartisan support—but the real question is whether Polis will cave to radical environmentalists or side with the majority of Coloradans who support nuclear energy.
With the Craig Station Power Plant set to close and electricity demand expected to double by 2050, leaders across the state are finally acknowledging what conservatives have long championed: nuclear energy is the most efficient, clean and sustainable path forward. But will Polis let that happen?
Despite past resistance, HB 1040 passed with support from both sides of the aisle. Rep. Ty Winter (R-Las Animas) emphasized that if Colorado is serious about economic growth, it must embrace energy policies that provide reliable power.
“This does not bring nuclear energy to Colorado,” said Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver), co-sponsor of the bill, “but it designates it as clean energy.” The legislation would prompt a remarkable shift, considering Democrats have historically resisted nuclear energy’s inclusion in environmental policy discussions.
The bill successfully passed the House and moved through the Senate, where it was backed by Sens. Democrat Dylan Roberts and Republican Larry Liston. But with Polis’ deep ties to progressive climate activists, the question now is: will he champion this effort—considering the potential benefits?
Western Slope leaders aren’t waiting for Denver politicians to dictate their energy future. Recognizing the economic devastation that losing coal-fired plants would bring, local governments are proactively exploring small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and nuclear fuel recycling technologies.
The Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC) have secured grants to research nuclear development, with initial studies showing that Coloradans overwhelmingly support nuclear energy at rates higher than the national average.
Yet, will Polis acknowledge this grassroots demand, or will he continue to toe the line with the out-of-touch bureaucrats in Boulder and D.C.?
While activists continue pushing unreliable wind and solar projects, nuclear energy advocates assert it offers a real solution to America’s growing energy needs. Even the Biden administration’s Department of Energy has acknowledged that nuclear power will be essential for the future.
Now, all eyes are on Governor Polis. Will he take a bold step toward energy independence, or will he sacrifice Colorado’s economic future on the altar of progressive climate policies?