Clean Energy Leadership in the Rockies: Competitive Positioning in the Emerging Green Economy

Headwater Economics (2.35 mb; 86 pages)

June 2010

The two quotes are highlighted to show the value of an all energy strategy to the Ports-to-Plains Alliance Corridor. This report, while focusing on clean energy and energy efficiency, takes a reasonable look at current and long term energy realities.

“This report focuses on the economic activities associated with clean energy and energy efficiency in the five states we call the Rocky Mountain Energy Producers—Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—because these energy-related activities are now among the strongest segments of the green economy and show promise during challenging economic times.

Competitiveness in an investment climate marked by a focus on energy innovation stems hinges on demonstrated policy commitment to diversifying energy sources and curbing inefficient energy consumption. This report assesses progress among the Rocky Mountain Energy Producers, focusing on indicators of green economic success as well as policy leadership.”

“The current and expected future growth in clean energy and efficiency means that the Rocky Mountain Energy Producers are experiencing an energy transition. Thanks to an abundance of fossil fuel resources, the five states already have major roles in the current system of energy production in the United States. Remarkably, these same states have equally striking command over a host of renewable energy resources. In addition, some of the states contain other assets—skilled workforces, leading public and private research institutions, and supportive state and local governments—necessary to encourage renewable energy generation and efficiency.

While traditional fossil fuels will remain the primary form of energy production, expanding the overall energy portfolio to include efficiency and diversity in energy sources is a national and international priority. Action will be rewarded with public and private investment, especially as the energy transition moves forward over the next two to three decades.”