Montrose County Commissioner Sue Hansen told the Forum that the JOLT energy group she helped co-found (Joint Organizations Leading Transition) had a “really robust conference” in Montrose last week. More than 200 people were in attendance June 27-28 at the Montrose Pavilion, and Hansen said the audience had a vast knowledge of energy subject matters, making for high-caliber questions and discussions.
A number of expert speakers — professors, researchers, engineers, climatologists — gave presentations about different energy sources and their recent advancements, including one from Wyoming who spoke about wind energy and the turbine project there.
Hansen said there was a big discussion panel on nuclear energy and how it can meet modern-day energy needs. She said the nuclear session piqued the audience’s interest and many questions were posed.
She said the only energy area not thoroughly covered was solar energy, but otherwise, “it was a good mix on all forms of energy.”
The program showed sessions on geothermal energy, oil and gas, hydrology, some solar and more.
Looking at all energy sources is something Hansen said her group believes is necessary. The JOLT group maintains that Colorado has taken an unrealistic stance in its renewable goals and time frame, especially since the state is still dependent on fossil fuels.
“This group is passionate,” she said of the self-described “energy nerds.”
“We are people that fervently believe in ‘all of the above,’” she said. “Solar doesn’t serve as many as we would like … and we believe in nuclear … we believe in using all forms of energy.”
She added the JOLT group is trying to also effect policy at the state level, and in fact, at least 10 legislators from the state capitol made an appearance at the conference. Senator John Hickenlooper was there, along with Representative Cathy Kipp and others.
“It was impressive, and speaks to our impact at the state and local levels,” Hansen said.
Hansen also said she was pleased that some from the West End attended the JOLT conference, including John Reams and Aimee Tooker.
Tooker told the Forum the conference was informative.
“… And one that I will continue to attend annually,” she said. “As a Just Transition Advisory Committee Member, networking with energy and legislative colleagues was a huge benefit. The main subject of discussion was nuclear power, which is super encouraging.”
Tooker said she was able to “really reiterate to the entire conference and especially (Attorney General) Phil Weiser, the importance of the Uravan Mineral Belt to nuclear power and energy independence. Being a Tier One Just Transition Community, we are ready and able to provide critical minerals for our country.”
Tooker said she also referenced the national monument that has been proposed, and why the opposition is important as it relates to the future and energy.
“I was sure to mention that our huge asset of the Uravan Mineral Belt is being threatened by non-governmental organizations' wishes to lock us out of those possibilities, and how many counties and towns have supplied resolutions of opposition to the proposed monument.”
The JOLT energy conference will happen in Rifle, Colorado next year.
For information on the JOLT energy symposium, the public may visit montrosecounty.net/1160/JOLT-Conference-2024.
