House Bill 25-1040 recognizes nuclear energy as a clean energy source in Colorado. This bill updates state statutes to:
- Classify nuclear power as “clean energy”, making it eligible for the same funding and incentives as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
- Allow nuclear energy to count toward Colorado’s 2050 clean energy targets, ensuring a diverse and reliable energy portfolio.
- Encourage private and public investment in advanced nuclear reactor technology, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors.
HB 25-1040 is a game-changer in energy policy, ensuring Colorado has a reliable, scalable, and emissions-free power source to meet future energy demands.
My Thoughts on the Bill
For too long, radical environmentalists have pushed unreliable energy policies that threaten our grid stability, economy, and national security. HB 25-1040 corrects this mistake by recognizing nuclear power as the clean, safe, and efficient energy source that it is.
Why HB 25-1040 is Critical for Colorado
🔥 Weld County Leads the Way – Weld County is Colorado’s #1 oil and gas producer and the #1 producer of renewable energy. If we’re serious about a cleaner future, nuclear must be part of the equation.
🔋 Energy Security & Reliability – Wind and solar only work when the wind blows and the sun shines. Nuclear runs 24/7, ensuring a stable power grid without blackouts or dependence on foreign energy.
🚢 Proven Technology – The U.S. Navy has safely used nuclear power for over 60 years to power submarines and aircraft carriers. If it’s safe enough for our military, it’s safe enough for Colorado.
🏗 Economic Growth & Jobs – Advanced nuclear projects create hundreds of high-paying jobs, revitalize communities, and ensure Colorado remains an energy leader.
🌎 True Clean Energy – Nuclear energy produces ZERO carbon emissions, uses less land than wind or solar, and creates minimal waste—making it the most efficient and sustainable energy source on the planet.
A Real Clean Energy Plan
Democrats in the Colorado Legislature have mandated the state achieve an 80% reduction in emissions from electricity generation by 2030, and plans to reach near zero emissions in electricity generation by 2040. They are picking energy winners and losers and driving up costs in pursuit of a goal that is unrealistic. If democrats want to be serious about safe, clean, reliable energy production, they must consider nuclear!
The left has lied about nuclear power for decades—while forcing unreliable energy mandates that drive up costs and hurt working families. Colorado can’t afford to ignore nuclear any longer.
📢 Tell your legislators to VOTE YES on HB 25-1040!
💡 If we’re talking about clean energy, nuclear MUST be part of the conversation.
Track the progress of House Bill 25-1040 HERE.
Update: HB25-1040 is scheduled to be heard in the House Energy and Environment Committee on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Colorado State Capital on the Old State Library.
I am testifying on behalf of Weld County in a support position. Here is the testimony I will offer:
Mister Chair and esteemed members of the Energy and Environment committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I’m Scott James, a Weld County Commissioner, here to express our strong support for House Bill 25-1040, which seeks to include nuclear energy in Colorado’s definition of clean energy.
Weld County takes pride in being Colorado’s top energy producer, leading in both oil and gas and renewable energy. As we pursue ambitious clean energy goals, it’s crucial to recognize that while wind and solar are valuable, they can’t always meet our energy demands consistently. When the wind is still, and the skies are overcast, we need a dependable, carbon-free power source. Nuclear energy provides that reliability, operating continuously to ensure a stable energy supply.
For decades, nuclear power has safely powered our naval vessels, demonstrating its reliability and safety. If it’s good enough for the sailors defending our nation, it’s certainly suitable for Colorado. Modern advancements have further enhanced nuclear safety and efficiency. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission enforces stringent safety standards, and innovations in reactor design have significantly improved safety measures.
Addressing concerns about waste, it’s important to note that the nuclear industry is the only large-scale energy producer that fully accounts for its waste, managing it responsibly throughout the entire process. The amount of waste generated is relatively small, and ongoing research continues to improve disposal methods.
By embracing nuclear energy, we can realistically achieve our clean energy objectives, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for all Coloradans. Weld County stands ready to lead in this endeavor, just as we have in other energy sectors.
I urge you to support HB 25-1040 and include nuclear energy in our clean energy future. Thank you.
