Collaborative Efforts to Advocate for Northwest Colorado’s Energy Future

The Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative, or NCEI, established in 2022, is a collective response to a pivotal moment in Northwest Colorado’s history. Our mission is clear: to secure a replacement for coal that upholds our standard of living by ensuring energy affordability, job retention and competitive wages.

NCEI leads a fact-based, community-first conversation about the future of energy in Northwest Colorado. We are committed to retaining our skilled workforce, maintaining affordable energy, and advancing diversified, high-quality employment opportunities across the region. Our approach is inclusive, nonpartisan, and forward-looking—exploring a broad portfolio of energy solutions that meet both local and national needs.

Centered in Moffat County—home to Craig, Colorado—and encompassing neighboring Routt and Rio Blanco counties, this region has long served as a cornerstone of Colorado’s coal mining and coal-fired power generation. With the scheduled retirement of Craig’s coal power plant, NCEI was formed to address the urgent economic and workforce impacts of this transition.

NCEI dedicates itself to fact-based public engagement, ensuring that as Colorado transitions away from coal, sustainable and economically viable energy alternatives are at the forefront of discussions.

In addition to our work within the community, NCEI actively engages with state and federal leaders to shape energy policy that supports rural Colorado. Our goal is clear: to ensure that Northwest Colorado remains not only resilient—but a leader—in the state’s evolving energy economy.

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Advisory Board

Operating under the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC), NCEI brings together counties, municipalities, economic development professionals, and private sector partners to coordinate a strategic, regional response. We are guided by a distinguished advisory board of regional leaders, including: former Colorado State House Majority Leader and Colorado Mesa University (CMU) President Emeritus Tim Foster, former Colorado State Senator Bob Rankin, Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis, Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson, Rio Blanco County Commissioner Doug Overton, former Moffat County Commissioner Ray Beck, and AGNC Executive Director Tiffany Dickenson. Former Town of Eagle Council Member Matt Solomon is the project manager and Wade Haerle is the field coordinator.

Documentation

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