The Western Slope Conservation Center has worked to protect and conserve the natural resources of the Lower Gunnison Watershed for the past 39 years. Just as we have supported the responsible development of local coal, we also support the responsible development of renewable energies. Renewable energy generation is a wise use of our natural resources, and it also has the potential to create local jobs and generate millions of dollars in economic development.
Delta Montrose Electrical Association (DMEA), the local electrical cooperative power supplier in Delta and Montrose Counties, has worked diligently to support the development of renewable energy generation from solar and hydro-resources. However, their efforts have been opposed by a petition filed by the Tri-State Generation & Transmission that essentially penalizes utilities like DMEA when they buy energy from local renewable projects.
On March 8th, the Conservation Center submitted a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voicing our support of DMEA, renewable energy generation, and economic development in DMEA’s area.