ASSOCIATED GOVERNMENTS OF NORTHWEST COLORADO (AGNC) SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING SECOND ENERGY-RELATED SURVEY
September 5, 2024
Survey is open September 2-16, 2024
Building on the insights gained from Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative’s (NCEI) Survey 1, which provided critical insights into the energy needs and preferences of Northwest Colorado residents, NCEI has launched a second survey. This public survey is open September 2 - 16, 2024 and aims to further refine and identify the most viable and sustainable pathways for the region's energy future.
"Our goal is to move the discussion beyond the traditional "either/or" mindset, where communities feel forced to choose between different energy sources, toward an "and" mindset, where a diversity of energy sources can be utilized in collaboration,” stated Matt Solomon, NCEI Project Manager.
Completing the survey takes approximately 10 minutes and participation is completely anonymous. The survey is open to the public and will run September 2 – 16, 2024. To participate, click on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCEI2 Alternatively, scan the attached QR code with a smartphone to access the survey directly.
By aligning these efforts with the community’s preferences and the broader objectives outlined in Colorado's HB23-1247, the survey results will play a crucial role in shaping our design and modeling efforts in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). These efforts are focused on guiding Northwest Colorado’s transition from a mono-industrial economy, heavily reliant on coal, to a diversified and resilient economic structure.
This transition marks a significant moment for the communities of Northwest Colorado. While moving away from coal has deeply affected the region's cultural and economic identity, it also opens doors to new opportunities. One such opportunity is the vision of creating a comprehensive regional energy hub, positioning Western Colorado as a leader in the energy life cycle and establishing it as a significant player in the Rocky Mountain region. After this survey, the results will lead to further actions surrounding energy education and provide the space for fact-based discussions regarding the future of NW Colorado’s economic development.
Defining an Energy Hub vs. Campus:
Energy Hub: The regional, macro-level network and strategy integrating various energy sources, technologies, and infrastructure.
Energy Campus: The localized, micro-level space within the hub, focused on research, development, and community engagement related to energy transition efforts.
Mandi Etheridge, Town Manager of Meeker, shared her excitement about the project, stating, “The direct outreach [from NCEI] has been great, and I feel like our community has the opportunity to participate in the process, able to voice our thoughts and concerns.”
Thanks are extended to all communities in Northwest Colorado, the region’s elected officials, Trapper and Tri-State, and the colleges and universities that have supported our efforts with the Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI), thus far.
The Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI) was established with a critical mission: to guide the region through a pivotal energy transition, identifying suitable alternatives to coal and preparing for the upcoming feasibility study. Our organization is deeply committed to maintaining affordable energy costs, retaining a skilled regional workforce, and ensuring the availability of quality jobs with competitive wages. This commitment aligns with the broader goals outlined in Colorado HB23-1247.
###
About AGNC (www.agnc.org) Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado is a council of governments and designated Economic Development District, representing the counties of Garfield, Mesa, Moffat, and Rio Blanco and all the municipalities therein. Their mission is to advocate, inform, and reflect the needs of its members by promoting the values, industries, and economies of Northwest Colorado.
About NCEI (www.agnc.org/ncei) The Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI), operating under the purview of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC), stands at the forefront of community-driven initiatives in Northwest Colorado. The 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.
About NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Home Page | NREL) At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), we focus on creative answers to today's energy challenges. From breakthroughs in fundamental science to new clean technologies to integrated energy systems that power our lives, NREL researchers are transforming the way the nation and the world use energy. NREL strives to achieve our vision of a clean energy future for the world through our mission: leading research, innovation, and strategic partnerships to deliver solutions for a clean energy economy.