Renewable Energy Archives - San Juan Citizens Alliance

Apr 29 2024

Renewable Energy transition is Sparking a Renaissance in Four Corners Region

By Mike Eisenfeld Energy Transition, Of Interest, Renewable Energy

In the wake of coal plant and coal mine retirements in northwestern New Mexico, our community stands at a pivotal moment. The impacts of these closures have reverberated through every aspect of our lives, prompting us to reassess and prepare…

Jul 06 2022

Electric co-ops cut costs through independence

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, LPEA Spotlight

June marks a significant milestone among rural electric cooperatives within the Tri-State system, notably for our neighbor Kit Carson Electric Cooperative in Taos, New Mexico. Six years ago, Kit Carson blazed a new path for electric co-ops in our region…

Jan 20 2022

Region’s future electricity supply in play

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition

Electricity customers across Southwest Colorado have the opportunity this month to provide feedback about the future of our electricity supply. The Colorado Public Utility Commission is reviewing plans for long-term electric generation resources put forth by Tri-State Generation and Transmission,…

Sep 02 2021

Opportunities abound for engagement on climate change

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Durango Herald Column

A friend recently lamented the apparent disappearance of Colorado’s trademark cobalt blue skies, those piercingly clear summer days in the mountains when you can see almost forever. Instead, our peaks and valleys are obscured by smoke in a ritual repeated…

Jun 14 2021

Fighting Air Pollution with Science-based Standards

By Emelie Frojen Climate Change, Oil & Gas

Fighting Air Pollution with Science-based Standards Here in the Four Corners, we highly value clean air, pure water, and healthy lands, which are the foundations of resilient communities, ecosystems and economies in the San Juan Basin. But with air quality…

Jun 01 2021

Transparency, Rate Reductions, & the 2021 LPEA Election

By sjca LPEA Spotlight

This blog series covers the monthly La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Board of Directors meetings. We’re tracking the board for transparency and accountability, as well as to stay current on their renewable energy initiatives. Find past and future spotlights here. Get…

May 26 2021

Electric Co-ops Boost Local Energy Supplies

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

An inspiring story of rapid energy transition is playing out in a neighboring rural electric cooperative in northern New Mexico. Just recently, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative announced it is ahead of schedule to complete several solar projects by the end…

Apr 19 2021

States Pursue Competing Energy Visions

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

Colorado and Wyoming are on rapidly diverging paths to distinctly different energy futures. Colorado’s Legislature next week will contemplate further greenhouse gas emissions reductions, with stricter requirements for rapid transition away from coal and other carbon emitting fuels. The intent…

Feb 23 2021

States, Industry, Consumers Leading Climate Change Policy

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Durango Herald Column

Events of the past year drove home the reality of our changing climate. Colorado experienced the three largest wildfires in recorded history, two of which burned across high mountain forests in October, a month normally reserved for the onset of…

Feb 03 2021

Clean Air, Mining Reform, & More: Updates at the New Mexico Legislative Session

By Mike Eisenfeld Energy Transition, Of Interest

Several bills were heard yesterday in the New Mexico Legislative Session House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee with good outcomes! 1. The Oil and Gas Subdivision Parcels Bill (HB 136) was drafted purportedly to address exemptions to subdividing lands to…

Jan 07 2021

SJCA Annual Update Video

By sjca Energy Transition, Lands Protection, Of Interest, Rivers

Since we couldn't see everyone in person this year, we made a video to show you what our staff has been up to & update you on some of our top campaigns! Check it out!

Nov 28 2020

Tri-State Plans to Cut Emissions But Flaws Are Exposed

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Nov 25 2020

Utility to Assist Navajo Energy Transition

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition

The accelerating transition from coal-fired electricity to renewables is great news for the climate, but poses tough economic challenges to dependent communities like Farmington and Shiprock, New Mexico. After decades of a local economy linked to the jobs around mining…

Nov 06 2020

Colorado Emissions Roadmap a Chance for Cleaner Power

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Oct 21 2020

Take Action: Hold Tri-State to Higher Carbon Reduction Standards

By sjca Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Take Action

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Sep 10 2020

TAKE ACTION: Keep LPEA Moving Towards Clean Energy

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy, Take Action

Keep LPEA’s Exit Charge Case in Colorado LPEA has made huge headway in its fight for cleaner, cheaper power here in Southwest Colorado. But by illegally adding new members to the cooperative “family”, Tri-State qualified for federal regulation – pre-empting…

Sep 01 2020

Another FERC Curveball

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Jul 29 2020

BREAKING: New Mexico PRC embraces 100% renewable future for Four Corners

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, In the News

Today, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission unanimously decided to replace San Juan Generating Station power with 100 percent renewable energy when the coal-fired power plant is retired in 2022. This decision marks an extraordinary turning point in the energy…

Jul 24 2020

Colorado PUC Sides With LPEA

By sjca LPEA Spotlight

Jul 20 2020

Electric Co-ops Closer to Securing Tri-State Exit Fees

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

Last week, La Plata Electric Association inched closer to gaining the basic information it has long desired to evaluate whether it makes sense to stay with Tri-State Generation and Transmission as its wholesale electricity supplier or jump ship to potentially…

Jun 30 2020

Tri-State Files First Phase of Resource Plan

By sjca LPEA Spotlight

May 31 2020

Race to the PUC

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Apr 29 2020

PRC Delay of San Juan Coal Plant’s Replacement Decision is Unfortunate and Risky

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, In the News

Photo: EcoFlight The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) delayed the approval of two solar and battery projects that would partially replace the electricity from San Juan Generating Station. These projects, which had record-breaking low prices, would have brought jobs…

Apr 27 2020

As Coal-Fire Power Plants Close, Our Skies are Clearing

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

One of the noticeable, and remarkable, changes in recent years has been the dramatic improvement in visibility and air pollution in the Four Corners. Longer-term residents routinely comment on the increased clarity and the sharper vistas of distant ranges like…

Apr 15 2020

Enchant’s Carbon Capture Scheme Heads Back to the Drawing Board

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy

If you are having troubles following the San Juan Generating Station carbon capture project being proposed by the City of Farmington and Enchant Energy, you are not alone. In fact, Enchant Energy itself seems to be having a hard time…

Apr 10 2020

Carbon Capture Costs Us More than the Millions in Taxpayer Dollars

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy

Our local elected officials have been chasing Enchant Energy’s promises of a resuscitated coal industry for roughly a year and a half now. This has cost the City over a million dollars in attorney fees, but the implications of this…

Mar 20 2020

LPEA Drives Statewide Policy Change

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

The transformation in Colorado’s energy landscape over the past year is nothing short of breathtaking. A good part of that transformation owes to the leadership of La Plata Electric Association. Who might have imagined a year ago that LPEA would…

Feb 26 2020

Unsolved Problems

By sjca Energy Transition, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Jan 24 2020

Tri-State Reveals New Energy Plan

By sjca Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Jan 16 2020

Tri-State Announces Responsible Energy Plan

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy

Photo: WildEarth Guardians Last week, Tri-State announced it intended to close its Colorado and New Mexico coal generation assets ahead of schedule. This week Tri-State made a second announcement on its Responsible Energy Plan. Notably, Tri-State will: Strive for 100%…

Jan 09 2020

Tri-State Announces Coal Retirements But Flaws Remain In Energy Plan

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy

Today Tri-State announced the first part of their long-awaited Responsible Energy Plan, which described their intention to close two coal plants and one coal mine ahead of schedule. While the plan shows that Tri-State is finally starting to shift their…

Dec 19 2019

A Recap of LPEA’s Year

By sjca Climate Change, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Nov 26 2019

LPEA Files With PUC for Just Exit Charge

By sjca Climate Change, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Nov 07 2019

A local voice on the Energy Transition Act

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition

New Mexico and the Four Corners is experiencing a transition that, far from being unique, is mirrored in coal regions across the nation. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the market reality is that coal is being left behind by…

Sep 11 2019

Opportunities for Change

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Sep 11 2019

Take Action: Stand Up For Clean Energy In Colorado

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy

A Rulemaking to Hold Tri-State Accountable The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is holding a rulemaking process through October 15th about Tri-State's Electric Resource Plan (ERP), which will fundamentally impact co-op customers for years to come. The ERP is a long-term…

Aug 28 2019

Interventions and Rulemakings for Tri-State

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Jul 25 2019

August 6th City Council Meeting

By sjca

Durango City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6th at 6:30 pm 949 E 2nd Avenue Durango, CO Come tell your Durango City Councilors that you want to see them pursue renewable energy projects, lower their carbon footprint, and increase energy…

Jul 25 2019

Tensions Rise with Big Shifts at Tri-State

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Jul 24 2019

PNM Public Meeting on SJGS Abandonment

By sjca

PNM has filed for abandonment and is now navigating the process of closing San Juan Generating Station, adding more renewables to their generation portfolio and deciding which generation assets to place in San Juan County. Come join your voice to…

Jun 27 2019

Tri-State Seeks FERC Regulation

By sjca Climate Change, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Jun 16 2019

Our energy supply system is transforming

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy

In just a few weeks, Public Service Co. of New Mexico will initiate the process to officially retire the San Juan Generating Station, the 1,600-megawatt, coal-fired behemoth outside Farmington that once burned coal day and night to generate electricity. It’s…

Jun 10 2019

Energy Transition Act Invests in Our Local Communities

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy

The Four Corners finds itself in an unprecedented economic landscape and elected officials are choosing to expend valuable time, resources and money pointing fingers and aggressively combatting the entities working to make sure our communities don’t get left behind. The…

May 29 2019

New Beginnings at LPEA

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Apr 29 2019

Power Supply Committee Gives Recommendations

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Apr 01 2019

Are we really Better Together?

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Mar 20 2019

What Now? Next Steps for San Juan County

By sjca

What Now? Next Steps for San Juan County Thursday, April 11th 5:30 – 6:30 pm SJCA Farmington Office What is the Energy Transition Act? How does it affect San Juan County? What is happening with San Juan Generating Station? What…

Mar 18 2019

Decisions loom about local electric supply

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy

Spring is in the air, and with it comes potentially big changes for our electric power supply. Leadership changes abound at both our local rural electric cooperative, La Plata Electric Association, and its wholesale electric supplier, Tri-State Generating and Transmission.…

Mar 13 2019

New Mexico Passes Historic Clean Energy Bill!

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Coal, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy

New Mexico just passed one of the most progressive energy transition bills in the country! The Energy Transition Act (ETA), which just passed the house and now heads to the Governor's desk, paves the way for a just transition to…

Mar 12 2019

Senator’s filibuster over Energy Transition Act a stunt

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change, Renewable Energy

I watched the nearly four-hour filibuster from Senator Bill Sharer on the Energy Transition Act from my home in Farmington on Wednesday. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 32-9, with strong bipartisan support. This stunt by Senator Sharer actually provides a window…

Feb 28 2019

LPEA is listening to you

By sjca Climate Change, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Feb 28 2019

Energy 101: Navigating the New Energy Market

By sjca

Energy 101: Navigating the New Energy Market Saturday, March 23rd 3:15 - 5:45 pm Durango Public Library Renewable energy is now less expensive than coal. This will be a community discussion about how to take advantage of these new…

Feb 07 2019

Clean Energy Bill Introduced to Reduce Electricity Costs, and Provide Economic Relief to San Juan County Workers

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy

Woot woot! A new Governor in New Mexico along with a host of bold, progressive, new State House representatives, looking to the future and creating opportunities. We're hopeful we can make big strides in clean energy, a just transition for…

Feb 01 2019

Keep moving Four Corners forward with renewable energy

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy

After almost 6 years spent outside of Farmington and San Juan County, it is great to be back in the community I grew up in and will always call home. It is refreshing to experience the kindness I remember being…

Jan 22 2019

LPEA Sets Carbon Reduction Goal

By sjca Climate Change, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Dec 20 2018

Tri-State in Trouble

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

This blog series covers the monthly La Plata Electric Association (LPEA)* Board of Directors meetings. We’re tracking the board for transparency and accountability, as well as to stay current on their renewable energy initiatives. Find past and future spotlights here. Get…

Dec 15 2018

Change Confronts Rural Electric Co-ops

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Green Business, Renewable Energy

Photo: Wildearth Guardians, Flickr The comedian Lily Tomlin used to have a favorite shtick where she played Ernestine, the snorting, smirking phone operator. She would end her bit with the line, “We don’t care, we don’t have to, we’re the…

Dec 04 2018

Climate Action Happy Hour

By sjca

Climate Action Happy Hour Monday, December 10th 5-6:30 pm Carver Brewing, Durango You're invited to join us and our friends at Conservation Colorado to discuss the future of renewable energy for our region and actions we can take to encourage…

Nov 30 2018

LPEA hires consultants to research energy supply options

By sjca Climate Change, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Apr 27 2018

Did you get your LPEA ballot?

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy

Around 800 ballots were not delivered on time. If you didn't receive yours (or if you threw it away), call LPEA immediately. LPEA: (970) 247-5786 Did you vote yet?! If you buy electricity from LPEA, your ballot should have arrived in…

Apr 12 2018

Renewable Randy and the Tri-State Façade

By sjca LPEA Spotlight

Feb 28 2018

The questions between the statements

By sjca LPEA Spotlight

Feb 27 2018

SJCA Community Meeting: Farmington’s Future

By sjca

We'll meet at one of our gracious member's homes in Farmington, NM. RSVP For location to mike@sanjuancitizens.org, (505) 360.8994 --------- In addition to pursuing our work on natural resources, recreation and health, we've launched a campaign on energy transition in…

Feb 21 2018

LPEA approves energy supply review subcommittee

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Feb 18 2018

La Plata Electric Association grapples with era of change

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

It’s a challenging time for La Plata Electric Association. The electric utility world is undergoing a classic technology disruption, where rapid advances threaten to upend decades-old business models. LPEA is locked into a contract for the next 30 years with…

Feb 15 2018

LPEA to vote on future of long-term energy supply review

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight

Feb 15 2018

La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Board Meeting

By sjca

Public comment is first thing at 9am. This month they're voting on the future of a subcommittee to study LPEA's long-term power supply options in a rapidly changing energy economy. Learn more. Tell LPEA that studying the future is critical:…

Jan 29 2018

LPEA Long-Term Strategy Subcommittee

By sjca

The La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) long-term strategy subcommittee is meeting for the first time to discuss a possible mission and strategy. The whole LPEA Board will later vote on the review's continuation. The meeting is open to the public.

Jan 26 2018

Why does LPEA need a long-term strategy review?

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Jan 25 2018

LPEA Election Open House

By sjca

Come, eat, drink, and learn why we need to elect an active, forward thinking LPEA Board of Directors. Let’s band together to lower rates for everyone with local, renewable energy! DID YOU KNOW? Renewable energy costs in Colorado are now…

Jan 04 2018

We’ve lost democratic control of our power supply

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Dec 19 2017

Groups challenge new rule nullifying compliance obligations under BLM methane rule

By sjca Oil & Gas

This fall, over 175,000 people commented against a proposed delay of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) methane rule, a rule that is particularly important for those of us under the Four Corners Methane Hotspot and suffer the royalty losses,…

Dec 15 2017

If (how) LPEA can measure the health impacts of coal

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight

Nov 21 2017

What do renewable energy advocates actually want?

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight

Oct 26 2017

Three Steps Forward – LPEA Spotlight: Oct ‘17

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Photo: Anna Peterson This blog series covers the monthly La Plata Electric Association (LPEA)* Board of Directors meetings. We’re tracking the board for transparency and accountability, as well as to stay current on their renewable energy initiatives. Find past and future…

Sep 15 2017

Flooding and rescue after Hurricane Harvey

Hurricanes are a stark reminder of the costs of climate change

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

Photo By: Lt. Zachary West As we stand transfixed by the enormously powerful hurricanes churning across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, one can’t help but think about our place in the climate-change continuum. Here in the San Juan Basin,…

Sep 05 2017

Checkin’ New Solar System(s)

By sjca Climate Change, Renewable Energy

By Guest Blogger: Donna Stewart Part III in a four part series on Renewable Energy. See Part I, The Rising Tide of Renewable Energy and Part II, Solar Power: Who Came Up With That?? Ah, the Seventies! Paislies! Poofy smocks! Blondie,…

Aug 21 2017

Power struggle with Tri-State won’t end soon

By Mark Pearson Coal

A few weeks ago, we sent forth our champion with bated breath and hopeful expectations to plead our case before Tri-State, to please allow us to generate more electricity locally here at home in La Plata Electric Association’s service area.…

May 02 2017

The Rising Tide of Renewable Energy

By sjca Climate Change, Coal

By Guest Blogger: Donna Stewart Part I in a four part series on Renewable Energy. See Part II,Solar Power: Who Came Up With That?? and Part III, Check'n New Solar System(s) “A dam about to break.” That’s how Chris Riley, President…

Feb 03 2017

The Plight of Solar in Farmington

By Mike Eisenfeld Climate Change

By Mike Eisenfeld, Energy & Climate Programs Director Last week, I attended the full, four-hour Farmington, NM City Council meeting. The Farmington Electric Utility System (FEUS) and their consultant, NewGen, presented to the Council. The City hired NewGen for 200,000…

Nov 10 2016

Canyon of the Ancients National Monument waste pit protest

Let them come.

By sjca Of Interest

Friends, At the close of the constitutional convention in 1787, Ben Franklin strode out the doors of Independence Hall to be greeted by a question from an onlooker in the crowd. “Well, Doctor, what have we got—a Republic or a…

Sep 15 2016

You can help build momentum for clean power alternatives

By sjca Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy

As the father of a 3-year-old boy, I’ve become an expert on the topic of momentum. You see, my little guy has yet to cross paths with a hill he doesn’t want to race down. Grassy, rocky, dirt, paved –…

May 19 2016

Now is the time to transform our energy economy

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

As the world transforms in response to technological innovation and evolving political preferences, chaos claws at order, building the future with every rip and tear. It’s a painful thing, this process. Inevitable, yes, but still painful. In April, San Juan…

Apr 20 2016

NEW VIDEO: Time’s Up For Coal at the Four Corners Power Plant

By sjca Climate Change, Coal

The Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) and Navajo Mine complex is a massive source of pollution. It can’t be permitted to operate until 2041. Learn More. Amid last year’s crumbling coal economy, and despite promises to address climate change, the Obama Administration approved a…

Apr 20 2016

As Coal Collapses, Groups Launch Lawsuit Challenging 25-year Extension of Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine

By sjca Climate Change, Coal

Last week Peabody Coal joined Arch, Alpha, Patriot, and other US companies in bankruptcy. This progression of bankruptcies is raising a myriad of concerns about the financial viability of coal, the future costs of clean up, the dangers of self-bonding,…

Dec 22 2015

Lawsuit to Challenge Feds’ Approval of Decades More Coal Pollution at Four Corners

By sjca Climate Change, Coal, Species

Photo Credit: EcoFlight This is a huge moment. Today we joined together with Diné CARE and other regional and national conservation groups to seek justice for the communities and species threatened by the the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo…

May 01 2014

When It Comes To Energy, Which Camp Are You In?

By sjca Climate Change, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

Good news! (Kind of). Once again, election season is upon us. No, no – not the 2014 midterms. I’m talking about the annual La Plata Electric Association Board of Directors election. For the uninitiated, LPEA is our electric cooperative. Unlike…

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