At Sierra Club Colorado, we are dedicated to tackling the complex climate and energy challenges facing our state.
Our dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to address the harmful impacts of fossil fuel extraction while advancing equitable electrification solutions. Whether we are intervening at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), advocating for clean energy policies in the legislature, or educating homeowners on the benefits of electrification, we center our efforts on equity and a just transition. The Colorado Chapter is committed to protecting communities disproportionately burdened by environmental and economic impacts while addressing the broader issue of systemic environmental injustice.
Volunteers play a crucial role in driving bold climate action and holding policymakers accountable. Together, we strive to secure a healthier, more sustainable future for all Coloradans. Join us as we embrace bold, positive, and forward-thinking solutions to the climate crisis.
Check out "The Essential Guide to Climate & Energy Volunteering at Sierra Club Colorado"
Fighting Back Against Fossil Fuels
We’re protecting Colorado from oil & gas drilling.
Oil and gas drilling has jeopardized the health and safety of Colorado communities, especially our most marginalized neighborhoods. The increased frequency of placing oil rigs near homes and schools is turning many low-income neighborhoods and communities of color into industrial zones. Oil and gas drilling is also harmful to the lands, waters, and wildlife in the surrounding areas.
Accountability at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC)
The ECMC has historically focused on advancing oil and gas development in the state with little regard for public health or the environment. Starting in 2019, after legislation was passed, the commission was directed to develop several rulemakings related to cumulative impacts, public engagement, and environmental justice.
Unfortunately, after five years of delays, the final ECMC cumulative impacts rules left much to be desired. In 2025, the Sierra Club will lead efforts to hold the ECMC and Governor Polis accountable, opposing fracking permits alongside community partners. This work will focus on building public pressure for proper analysis of cumulative impacts and stronger community protections. We’ll also urge Governor Polis to support communities affected by oil and gas operations, leverage the media to highlight ECMC issues, and empower Coloradans to challenge the oil and gas industry.
Join the Oil & Gas Committee:
The Colorado Sierra Club Oil and Gas Committee, formed in 2021 to address the growing threats to human health, wildlife, and biological resources in the state, works through grassroots education, outreach, rulemaking, field monitoring, data collection on existing operations, and reviewing applications for new or expanded drilling sites.
Contact JoAnn Hackos, Oil & Gas Committee Chair, at joann@jhackos.com, and Sarah Tresedder, Senior Climate and Energy Organizer, at sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, to get involved!
Building Electrification -Let's Keep Fossil-Gas Out of Homes and Buildings
Moving to fossil-free, all-electric homes and buildings can lower the cost of new housing and protect the health and safety of Colorado families—all while tackling a major source of climate pollution. Communities deserve clean, affordable, and healthy heat and electricity.
In 2024, Sierra Club Colorado and the Safe Buildings Now! Team organized a series of four monthly webinars focused on building electrification education. These highly attended sessions energized Sierra Club members and supporters, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to take bold action in advocating for electrification and a cleaner future. We hope to emulate these programs and add to them in 2025.
Neighborhood-Scale Electrification Opportunities for Local Governments
The Colorado Chapter is working alongside community partners to promote opportunities for local governments to bring electrification to their communities at the neighborhood scale. Learn more about that work here.
Regulatory Action at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
The Sierra Club Colorado Chapter champions clean energy, electrification, just transition, and affordable, reliable energy for Coloradans at the PUC. This work spans advocacy within political and regulatory systems and public engagement to build external power.
In 2024, we intervened in several high-profile proceedings at the PUC and scored major victories. Learn more:
- Colorado PUC Adopts Landmark Gas Regulatory Decision
- What Sierra Club Won While Working on Xcel Energy's Clean Heat Plan
Sierra Club’s Environmental Law Program plays a critical role by providing legal expertise and intervening in key PUC cases while Sierra Club members and supporters are encouraged to use their voice and participate in PUC public hearings and public comment periods for key cases. In 2025, the organization will engage in several cases and rulemakings.
Learn more here: 2025 Regulatory Cases w/ Sierra Club
Inflation Reduction Act Implementation and Advocacy
Since its passage, Colorado has received over $600 million in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. These include:
- Solar For All: $156 million awarded to CEO
- CPRG: $199 million awarded to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) for electrification and workforce development and $129 million to the Colorado Energy Office (COE) for their Colorado Decarbonization Accelerator.
- Home Energy Rebates: CEO’s application was approved and is now waiting for funding to be distributed
As we plan for another Trump presidency, we must maintain a steady drumbeat of positive news related to Inflation Reduction Act funding, especially as it relates to improving citizens’ lives, lowering energy bills, improving air quality, and protecting public health.
The CO Chapter plans to work with CEO and DRCOG as they begin implementing of funding for their electrification programs. The chapter will also mobilize and engage members and supporters to advocate for progressive funding use that prioritizes low-income and disproportionately impacted communities across the state.