RURAL ENERGY NETWORK PRINCIPLES

Rural communities across the Western U.S. face unique economic challenges ranging from shrinking population bases to consolidation of farms and ranches. It is critical for rural communities to pursue diverse economic development opportunities.

The Western United States has an abundance of energy resources, both fossil fuels and renewables, and rural communities play a vital role in an advancing an all of the above energy policy.    

Rural communities in particular have played an integral role in U.S. renewable energy expansion, including market competitive wind and solar projects that have created new jobs and increased economic development.

Technology for creating energy is quickly evolving.  U.S. Energy policy is changing at the same time creating opportunities for significant economic development in rural Colorado.  To ensure that we not miss out on this once in a generation confluence of events, leaders must collectively advocate for investment in rural Colorado.