At a time when our federal government has made more investments in rural communities’ energy systems than ever before in history, we find ourselves facing unprecedented challenges to implement the clean energy transition in Western Colorado. Solar moratoriums have been put in place in several Western Colorado counties (including Delta and Montrose counties) that hamper our ability to take advantage of these historic funds and our abundant renewable energy resources. We have the opportunity to create a true renewable energy economy in Western Colorado, reducing energy costs for our community by generating the power we use locally. 

The threat of solar moratoriums has, at last, made its way to Mesa County, where the Mesa County Board of Commissioners plans to vote on a proposed solar moratorium on Tuesday, January 9 at 9 am at the Public Hearing Room located at 544 Rood Avenue in Grand Junction. The intention is to revise the Conditional Use Permitting and Land Use Code processes to create new rules regarding solar infrastructure in our county — not inherently a bad thing. Not every restriction is negative, and we understand that any development impacting Colorado residents needs to be done well and with input. A good process should serve all needs! However, there is a strong possibility that these revisions become overly restrictive and create a system where solar development is no longer economically feasible to install or the locations where solar will be approved are so isolated that connecting to the grid becomes incredibly difficult and not cost-effective. 

We are asking our membership to turn out in force for this meeting to make our voice heard in demanding a narrowly focused, tailored approach to solar infrastructure approvals that does not restrict future developments beyond reason. We are facing a pivotal moment in Mesa County’s clean energy future, and we won’t move in the right direction unless we show up to make it happen.

Sign up here to make your voice heard on Tuesday! Each attendee will have three minutes to speak on the topic.  

If you require additional information regarding the solar moratorium and key talking points, please reach out to Tyler McDermott at tyler@westerncoloradoalliance.org.