Yes, Colorado now officially recognizes nuclear energy as a clean energy source.

This development stems from the signing of House Bill 25-1040 by Governor Jared Polis on March 31, 2025. The legislation amends the statutory definition of “clean energy” in Colorado to include nuclear power alongside other renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen energy. Below is a detailed breakdown of how this decision came about and its implications.

Step-by-Step Analysis of the Decision

1. Background of Nuclear Energy in Colorado

• Historically, nuclear energy has not been widely utilized in Colorado since the closure of the Fort St. Vrain nuclear plant in Weld County in 1989.
• Previous legislative efforts to recognize nuclear energy as clean failed due to opposition from environmental groups and lack of bipartisan support.
• However, growing concerns over climate change and the need for reliable baseload power have reignited interest in nuclear power.
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2. Introduction and Passage of House Bill 25-1040

• House Bill 25-1040 was introduced during the 2025 legislative session with bipartisan sponsorship from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
• The bill redefines “clean energy” under state law to include nuclear power, allowing it to qualify for funding opportunities and permitting processes previously reserved for renewables like wind and solar.
• The legislation passed with significant bipartisan support: a vote of 43-18 in the House and 29-5 in the Senate.

3. Governor Polis’ Approval

• On March 31, 2025, Governor Jared Polis signed HB25-1040 into law despite opposition from some environmental groups.
• A spokesperson for Polis clarified that while this law does not mandate any specific nuclear projects or allocate funding directly to them, it opens up pathways for future exploration of nuclear technology.

Implications of Recognizing Nuclear Energy as Clean

A. Alignment with Carbon-Free Goals

• By including nuclear energy under its clean energy definition, Colorado aims to meet its ambitious goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by large utility providers by 2050.
• Proponents argue that wind and solar alone cannot provide sufficient baseload power due to their intermittent nature; nuclear can complement these sources with consistent output.

B. Economic Opportunities for Coal Communities

• Communities like Craig and Pueblo, which are facing economic challenges due to coal plant closures, could benefit from potential investments in advanced nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs).
• According to proponents, repurposing coal plants into nuclear facilities could save costs on infrastructure while preserving jobs and tax revenue.

C. Technological Advancements

• Modern advancements in reactor designs—such as SMRs—are smaller, safer, more efficient, and less water-intensive than traditional reactors.
• These innovations address many historical concerns about safety risks associated with older-generation reactors.

Opposition Concerns

Despite its passage into law, HB25-1040 remains controversial:

Radioactive Waste Management: Critics argue that spent fuel rods and other radioactive waste pose long-term environmental hazards requiring secure storage for thousands of years.

Water Usage: Traditional reactors require significant amounts of water for cooling purposes—a concern given Colorado’s limited water resources.

Diversion from Renewables: Environmental groups worry that classifying nuclear as “clean” may divert funding away from wind, solar, and geothermal projects.

Cost Concerns: Opponents cite examples like Georgia’s Vogtle Plant project where construction delays led to massive cost overruns exceeding $30 billion.

Broader Context: National Trends

Colorado’s decision aligns with a broader national trend toward reconsidering nuclear power as part of clean energy strategies:

• Nuclear currently provides nearly half (50%) of carbon-free electricity nationwide.
• Federal initiatives such as the Atomic Energy Advancement Act aim to streamline regulatory processes for advanced reactor technologies.
• States like Wyoming are already investing heavily in SMRs through projects like TerraPower’s Natrium reactor backed by Bill Gates.

Recap!

The recognition of nuclear energy as clean marks a pivotal shift in Colorado’s approach toward achieving carbon neutrality while maintaining grid reliability. While no specific projects have been proposed yet under this new framework, HB25-1040 sets the stage for future exploration into advanced nuclear technologies that could play a critical role in addressing both climate change goals and economic transitions away from fossil fuels.