Pueblo commissioners oppose state bill to shut down Comanche coal plant early
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- On Thursday, Pueblo County Commissioners passed a resolution to officially oppose SB21-200, which would require Xcel Energy's Comanche 3 power plant to close five years earlier than its planned 2040 closure date.
Commissioners expressed concern over the economic hit to Pueblo if that plant closes early. In a February meeting, Pueblo County commissioners discussed that shutting down the coal plant could cause the loss of $15 million in property tax revenue.
The Colorado Legislature is looking to pass Senate Bill 21-200 in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The bill would close the Comanche 3 power plant five years early, in 2035 instead of 2040.
In 2016, Pueblo County voters approved a measure that would fund around 20 improvement projects, such as extending the riverwalk. County leaders say that funding comes from property taxes, one of the largest contributors is the power plant.
Pueblo County Commissioner Garrison Ortiz said all projects are in jeopardy if this bill gets passed and a loss of more than a hundred Pueblo jobs, and the potential for rate hikes across the state.
"This does this does not bring jobs, it kills jobs, it does not decrease rates, it increases rates.. it would require such a heavy investment from Xcel Energy and Black Hills energy for some complex reasons that we would experience tremendous increases in rates," said Ortiz.
KRDO reached out to the State legislators sponsoring the bill and did not hear back. The commissioners are urging voters to let legislators know their thoughts on the bill.
Although, Xcel Energy officials previously stated that there would be no layoffs when coal is retired, saying natural attrition, retirement, and retraining would allow for a layoff-free transition.
