New Survey Results Announced
Pueblo, CO — A recent survey conducted among Pueblo County voters reveals overwhelming support for wind, solar and utility scale battery storage as replacements for the Comanche 3 coal fired power plant Mothers Out Front announced recently.
The poll comes days before Xcel Energy’s anticipated Just Transition Plan filing with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The survey, which asked residents about potential replacement options, underscores a clear preference for renewable energy solutions.
Key findings from the survey indicate that 43% of respondents favor replacing the power plant with wind and solar farms, compared to 32% for a nuclear plant and 20% for a gas plant with carbon capture technology. This preference crosses all demographics, with broad support from white and Hispanic voters, across all age groups, and among both college graduates and those without a college degree.
“When presented with the options, Pueblo voters prioritize benefits for jobs, environmental considerations, and the long-term sustainability of the solution,” said Jamie Valdez, Mothers Out Front Colorado state manager.
The poll results were announced at a press conference on the steps of the Pueblo County Courthouse on Sept. 11 by Mother’s Out Front Colorado and CoPRIG.
“For years, Pueblo has gotten all the pollution and none of the energy from the local coal-fired power plant,” said Naomi Sylvester, an organizer with the consumer watchdog CoPIRG. “We’ve gotten over 1,200 petitions in the last month in favor of energy that is clean, safe and affordable. The last thing Coloradans should pay for is a new gas plant that will continue to pollute the community and the planet.”
Supporters of wind and solar farms highlight the potential for Pueblo to become a hub for renewable energy development, leveraging advanced battery storage technology. They emphasize the economic benefits, including job creation and tax revenues, which are expected to offset losses from Comanche’s shutdown. The plant is slated to close by 2030, and Xcel will continue to make payments to offset the loss of property taxes through 2040.
The survey, commissioned to gauge public opinion on Xcel’s Just Transition Plan, reveals a nuanced understanding among voters about the trade-offs between different energy sources. As discussions continue, community input will play a crucial role in shaping the future energy landscape of Pueblo County.
Global Strategy Group conducted a survey of 400 registered voters in Pueblo County, Colorado between September 3 and 8, 2024.
