Kayah Swanson, Kayah.Swanson@sierraclub.org
Westminster, CO – Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association is proposing trailblazing provisions for direct financial assistance to communities impacted by coal plant closures, and plans for resource procurement estimated to reduce its emissions by 89%.
The proposal, filed with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) yesterday as an unopposed comprehensive settlement of Phase 1 of its 2023 Electric Resource Plan, advances a responsible transition to renewable energy and supports coal communities such as Craig and Moffat Counties with $22 million in direct community assistance and $48 million in additional benefit. Craig Station’s three generating units will retire between 2025 and 2028.
Upon approval from the CPUC, the Plan will initiate the procurement process for new resources, which would lead to as much as 70% clean energy delivered to Tri-state members in 2030. Sixteen Tri-State members and stakeholders support the settlement, including Sierra Club.
After years of Sierra Club advocacy, Tri-State agreed to close one of Colorado’s most expensive and polluting coal units, Craig Unit 3, two years earlier than planned. It also agreed to retire Springerville Unit 3 in Arizona, a coal unit originally expected to run until 2066, meaning three of four Springerville Station coal units have retirement dates.
This landmark settlement was made possible by Tri-State’s expectation that it will receive New ERA program dollars, demonstrating how federal funding can help rural America be part of the energy transition. Sierra Club was instrumental in ensuring that New ERA was included in the Inflation Reduction Act and has supported Tri-State’s application for New ERA funding.
In response, Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Director, Laurie Williams, released the following statement:
“Sierra Club has long advocated for the just transition to renewable energy from fossil fuels not only because it makes the most economic sense, but also to protect communities and the planet. Tri-State’s ERP marks the start of a promising future where coal communities are included and supported throughout this transition. We are proud to be a part of this groundbreaking settlement.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of 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.