During a recent government meeting, Sewatch County Commissioner and founder of the Sewatch County Sustainable Environment and Economic Development Organization emphasized the critical need for a transition to renewable energy sources in the region. With agriculture as the backbone of the local economy and a significant portion of the county's electricity supplied by the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, the commissioner highlighted the community's reliance on clean energy for both economic and environmental health.

The commissioner pointed out that Sewatch County, which has a high poverty rate and is rich in natural resources, is eager for its local cooperative to increase its use of solar energy. The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association's draft resource plan was praised for aligning with the desires of local ratepayers to shift towards more affordable and sustainable energy options. The commissioner expressed hope that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) would approve this plan, which promises to enhance access to clean energy for rural communities.

In a related discussion, Amy Tooker from Montrose County voiced her support for community assistance initiatives tied to the closure of coal plants, specifically mentioning a $70 million fund that could significantly benefit the communities of Moffett and Craig. However, she expressed disappointment that her area was excluded from these benefits, highlighting the financial struggles faced by local taxing districts following the closure of their coal mine and plant. Tooker called for greater attention to be given to the West End of Montrose County, which she feels has been overlooked in the transition process.

Chad Franke, president of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, also participated in the meeting, representing a collective of 15,000 farm and ranch families across Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. His presence underscores the broader agricultural community's interest in sustainable energy solutions and the economic implications of transitioning away from fossil fuels.

The discussions reflect a growing consensus among rural communities in Colorado regarding the need for equitable access to clean energy resources and support during the transition away from coal dependency.