PUEBLO, Colo. — As Pueblo prepares for the 2031 closure of the Comanche Plant, a major energy and revenue source for the area, state lawmakers are looking for alternatives to help sustain the local economy. One potential solution gaining traction is nuclear energy, and a new bill, HB25-1040, could play a crucial role in bringing this option to the forefront.
The bill, which passed its second reading in the Colorado House on Thursday, aims to designate nuclear energy as a clean energy source. Sponsored by Republican State Representative Ty Winter of House District 47, the proposal seeks to encourage local governments to consider nuclear power as a viable option for future energy production.
Representative Winter acknowledged the concerns many people have about nuclear energy, especially in light of historical events such as the Chernobyl disaster. However, he stressed that nuclear technology has significantly advanced in recent decades. Winter believes that with proper education and understanding of these advancements, communities can see the benefits of nuclear energy, both in terms of clean energy and job creation.
“I think that one thing we need to do is we need to educate ourselves on nuclear energy,” Winter said. “It’s come a long way since Chernobyl, and I know that there’s people that look at those major disasters and there’s a panic over it, but you have to realize that was quite a few years ago and as time changes, technology changes.”
If HB25-1040 passes its third reading on Friday, the bill will move to the state Senate for further consideration. The proposed legislation would not mandate local governments to adopt nuclear power, but it would provide an option for communities like Pueblo that face economic uncertainty following the shutdown of the Comanche Plant.
Winter emphasized that introducing nuclear energy to the state could create substantial jobs and help make up for the loss of revenue caused by the plant’s closure. The push for nuclear power is part of a broader effort to diversify energy sources and protect local economies in the face of shifting energy policies.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether nuclear energy will become a cornerstone of Colorado’s energy future, or if concerns about safety and environmental impact will lead to alternative solutions.
