Collaborative Efforts to Advocate for Northwest Colorado’s Energy Future
The Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative, or NCEI, established in 2022 by then Senator Bob Rankin, 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 is committed to fostering a comprehensive regional discussion about future energy options, maintaining affordable energy costs, retaining skilled workers, and ensuring the availability of quality, competitive-wage jobs. Our approach is inclusive and forward-thinking, exploring a range of potential solutions.
Situated around Craig, Colorado—in Moffat County, and bordered by Routt and Rio Blanco Counties—this region has a rich legacy in coal mining and coal power. The motivation for NCEI’s efforts is the impending retirement of the coal power plant in Craig and the significant economic impacts associated with this transition.
Advisory Board
The Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI) advisory board members are: 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
In The News
- Nuclear power is officially a clean energy source in Colorado, April 2, 2025
- COLORADO’s FIRST STEP TOWARDS ENERGY SOBRIETY, March 31st, 2025
- Meeker trustees discuss nuclear energy, community updates by Jared Henderson on March 12, 2025
- Bill tagging nuclear as a clean energy source clears Colorado House March 2, 2025
- Western Slope officials supporting the nuclear option for energy By Lindy Browning / February 27, 2025 / Rocky Mountain
Voice State - NORTHWEST COLORADO CHOSEN AS ONE OF FIVE REGIONS NATIONWIDE TO RECEIVE ENERGY COMMUNITIES ALLIANCE COMMUNITY GRANT - December 23, 2024
- NCEI SURVEY #2 RESULTS - September 30, 2024
- Survey shows strong support for nuclear power in NW Colorado - The Daily Sentinel July 8, 2024
- NCEI SURVEY RESULTS - June 28, 2024
- AGNC SELECTED FOR COMMUNITIES LEAP (LOCAL ENERGY ACTION PROGRAM) COHORT 2 - March 22, 2024
- AGNC SECURES $100,000 CAPACITY BUILDING FOR REPURPOSING ENERGY ASSETS GRANT - January 11, 2024