Colorado Moves Toward an "All of the Above" Energy Strategy

A wind turbine blade installed in CO.

Xcel Energy filed a proposal with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to increase its use of renewable energy sources. Xcel will nearly triple its solar power capacity and increase its amount of wind power. If approved, the plan would cut Xcel's carbon dioxide emissions by one third the levels of 2005.

The new proposal is the result of intense bidding from renewable energy developers. Most renewable energy development projects aren't able to compete with the cost effectiveness of natural gas. The robust competition and competitive costs to renewable energy projects in Colorado is exciting to see. Xcel's plan to include more renewable energy at a utilities scale is a big step toward an "All of the Above" energy strategy.

The hope is that with a more diverse energy portfolio, Colorado can begin to significantly reduce the environmental effects of energy development. The diversity of energy sources has led Xcel to also consider shutting down the last coal-fired power plant by the end of 2013.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

2013 LLM Alumn, Sonia Nunez Orduz Collaborates with the Nature Conservancy

Sonia Nunez Orduz, a recent LLM graduate from Colombia, recently began working for the Nature Conservancy. Sonia attended a law school in Bucaramanga City in northeastern Colombia before moving to Denver. She became interested in environmental law during an internship she had with the Municipal Waste Company of Bucaramanga. In this position, she examine environmental pollution and solid waste recycling issues and developed a desire to conserve the environment.

Sonia now serves the Nature Conservancy as Attorney for Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean. She provides legal advice and support to other attorneys on a variety of legal matters. Sonia stated, "Earning a Masters Degree from the Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy program taught me how to analyze, interpret and apply the U.S. laws regulating the environmental industry. In addition, it assisted me to improve my research skills and gave me the opportunity to network with experts in the field."

Sonia is happy that her work for the Nature Conservancy will allow her to continue to develop her expertise in environmental law. She advises current students to look for opportunities to develop their practical skills and to take advantage of networking opportunities while in the program through conferences and seminars.

Congratulations to Sonia! We are confident that she will make the most out of her current position with the Nature Conservancy and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!