Pursuant to the Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Ritter earlier this year, Xcel Energy today submitted to the Public Utilities Commission several scenarios to dramatically reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from Front Range power plants. The Governor praised the Act, saying it will save ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars through a Colorado-specific plan, rather than a federally imposed plan, to reduce emissions. The Governor also praised the Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act implementation process as inclusive, comprehensive and transparent.
“Today marks the first big step toward enacting the historic Colorado Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act,” Gov. Ritter said. “Congratulations to Xcel Energy and all those who are working to implement this first-of-its-kind effort to meet our energy needs and create a clean-energy future. We are once again showing the nation how Colorado ’s New Energy Economy is creating jobs, providing affordable and reliable energy, and improving our air quality for generations to come.”
The plans include scenarios retiring or repowering 900 megawatts of coal-fired capacity which, if done in a timely manner, could reduce nitrogen oxide emissions at metro-area power plants y 70 percent to 80 percent by 2018.
Other interested parties have until Sept. 17 to submit comments to the PUC. The PUC will hear public testimony on Sept. 23.
