Colorado needs an all‑of‑the‑above energy strategy

By Rep. Ryan Gonzalez | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

As we all know, energy is vital in policy making. If we have no secure energy sector, uncertainty will ensue. While there are different views on energy policy, we must not rule out any single source of energy (like fossil fuels) for a clean environment that also secures our demand to provide for our consumers. 

Energy affects virtually everything from the cost of raw materials to the finished goods or services you see in the market. More rigorous energy policy that isn’t cost effective, only raises prices and may create scarcity of resources available.

In the Colorado legislature, as a first term state Representative, I have seen these concerns unfold in real time as they push a very ambitious 2040 zero emissions platform. One that just isn’t feasible at this current point in time. 

If fully implemented, it would have a price tag of a whopping 9 billion dollars. Those of us who understand economics know that these costs and that price tag would be passed onto consumers. 

The legislative majority, who have a disdain for oil and gas, want to push for wind and solar. While I don’t disagree on using other energy sources, it’s not the role of government to decide what is best for consumers. Let the markets and consumers have a choice in their source for energy. I have always advocated and will continue to advocate for an “all‑of‑the‑above” approach to energy policy.

Sitting on the House Energy and Environment committee, I have seen policy that is detrimental to our energy security. Especially the attack of oil and gas in the name of climate change. 

In Weld County, where I’m from, we have the cleanest methods of extraction and production in the entire country thanks in part to the staunch regulatory environment placed by the Colorado legislature. We also produce over 80% of the oil production in the state, and a fun fact: natural gas is a clean form of energy. 

Oil and gas pays billions in severance taxes that pays local municipalities like fire districts, and school districts. Eliminating this industry not only hurts our economy through energy shortages, but will lead to price hikes, and hurt our local districts who need funding, especially our teachers.

In the 2025 session, we passed legislation adding nuclear to Colorado’s energy portfolio, which I not only voted for, advocated for on the house floor, but cosponsored. 

The amount of misinformation spread by extremists about nuclear energy was astounding. 

If we wish to transition away from fossil fuels, let the markets do it on their own, and with alternative energy sources in place. Wind and solar alone are not enough to supply Colorado’s population. 

Let’s look at hydropower, geothermal—AND nuclear. 

Let’s give consumers a choice. 

As we prepare to launch nuclear power projects in Colorado, let’s build a workforce in the state to have a successful sector. Following Weld County, Pueblo County has also expressed interest in building small modular reactors (SMRs) and it’s a race of who gets it first.

As Colorado puts in place more rigorous energy mandates, we must first ask if it’s feasible to do and what the cost burden will be. 

We are still feeling the effects of inflation, and now tariffs, which consumers see in their energy bills and the price of gas. Adding more fees, regulations, and unfunded mandates to policy only hurts the consumer, and especially Colorado’s underserved and low income communities. 

As many in the Colorado legislative majority claim to help those most in need, their policies, like energy, hurt the very people they claim to help. 

Let’s pause more on energy policy and review what’s working and what is not. 

I call on my colleagues to join me in deregulation and allowing an all‑of‑the‑above approach to energy. 

I call on the people of Colorado to hold us lawmakers accountable as we work to deliver on affordability.

Rep. Ryan Gonzalez represents Colorado House District 50, which includes Greeley and parts of Weld County. Born to Mexican immigrant parents and raised in Fort Morgan and Greeley, he graduated from Northridge High School and the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business administration. A former Wells Fargo employee and active community volunteer, he now focuses on TABOR, fiscal responsibility, and improving state rules and regulations.

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