Rocky Mountain Voice

Tag: Matt Solomon

“A deadline without a plan”: how rural Colorado is building the energy future the state won’t
Rocky Mountain Voice, State, Top Stories

“A deadline without a plan”: how rural Colorado is building the energy future the state won’t

By Jen Schumann | Rocky Mountain Voice In May 2023, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB 23‑1247, directing the Colorado Energy Office to study advanced energy solutions — from nuclear and geothermal to long-duration storage — in regions facing coal-plant closures like Craig Station. The law included $50,000 from the Just Transition Fund and federal support to study firm energy options in northwest Colorado. Within months, coal facilities began closing across the state—including Craig Station, now set to shutter by 2028. While studies are underway, comprehensive transition plans are still being reviewed. Facing job losses and shrinking tax bases, rural communities are taking charge. “There’s a closing schedule—but no roadmap,” said Matt Solomon, project manager for the Northwest Colorado En...
Solomon: A pop tab, a campfire and small act of kindness makes a big difference
Approved, Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Solomon: A pop tab, a campfire and small act of kindness makes a big difference

By Matt Solomon | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice Five years ago, while working with Cameron Advanced Mobility (CAM), I had an interaction around the campfire in Moab that has since garnered a global response. It highlights that in this season of giving and joy, even the most dedicated warriors embody kindness. CAM has been teaching tactical driving, vehicle recovery, navigation and field repairs to U.S. military, foreign military, state department groups, as well as professional off-road racing teams and civilians, for the last 20 years. This particular trip was one of CAM’s austere driver training course in Moab with members of an elite military unit just before a deployment. After driving the trucks all day — stopping for repairs and assisting each other in navigation or...