Vanessa Cordova, vanessa.cordova@sierraclub.org; Rachel Dupree, rachel.dupree@sierraclub.org
PUEBLO, CO — Yesterday, Pueblo residents voted on whether or not to off-ramp from their electric utility, Black Hills Energy (BHE). In a disappointing vote, Pueblo voted “No” on 2A to keep their utility after Pueblo Cares, a dark money group, funneled $1.5 million into a fear-mongering “Vote No” campaign.
Nick Gradisar, Mayor of Pueblo, said this in response to the vote:
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped voters understand this issue, especially all the volunteers and community advocates. Though this vote did not go the way we wanted, I will do my best to make sure that the people of Pueblo have the energy and the quality of life they deserve.”
Local volunteers, energy experts, and community leaders started organizing 2 years ago for more access to clean, renewable energy. Prior to 2A voter education work, many of these volunteers and advocates worked to secure Pueblo’s 2017 commitment to be powered by 100% clean, renewable energy by 2035.
Since adopting the goal, the City of Pueblo made progress toward implementation, including launching the new Electric Utility Commission to explore alternatives to the city’s existing service agreement with Black Hills Energy. Black Hills Energy has continuously provided sub-par service and charges people of Pueblo nearly double what those in Denver pay."
Jamie Valdez, Chairperson of Sangre de Cristo Sierra Club and representative of Our Pueblo, Our Power, said this in response to the vote:
“Today big money won over Pueblo’s energy future. After funneling 1.5 million dollars of misinformation into the city— all in order not to lose some of their highest-paying customers— Black Hills proved that public power was never risky for Pueblo, it was risky for Black Hills.”
Jenny Willford, Clean Energy Advocate for the Colorado Sierra Club and representative of Our Pueblo, Our Power, said this in response to the vote:
“We lost today, but we will continue to apply pressure on Black Hills to meet Pueblo’s financial and clean energy needs,” said Willford. “I’m saddened for Pueblo as the community deserves a voice in its energy future, but today, the side with more money and influence won. David did not beat Goliath.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.