Sometimes it feels like the news about climate change is one bad headline after another; wildfires, hotter summers, and big national decisions that seem to move us backward instead of forward. But here in Colorado, communities are proving that we don’t have to wait for the federal government to set the tone. We’re rolling up our sleeves and making real progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Last August, Governor Jared Polis announced new actions to keep Colorado’s clean energy push moving at full speed. His executive order directs state agencies to fast-track renewable energy projects so they can qualify for soon-to-expire federal tax credits. The Colorado Energy Office also started the Home Energy Rebate Program that will provide up to $14,000 in savings per qualified household to make eligible energy upgrades in single-family and manufactured/mobile homes. With new federal policies projecting to increase Colorado household energy costs by as much as $500 per year by 2035, these new actions will keep energy costs lower for Coloradans while speeding up the transition away from fossil fuels. Polis also launched the “Colorado Energy Savings Navigator”, a free online tool that connects residents to over 600 rebates and 18 bill assistance programs. Whether it’s tax credits for heat pumps, cash incentives for solar panels, or help lowering monthly energy bills, the Navigator puts all the options in one easy-to-use place. State leaders say these programs could help thousands of households upgrade to cleaner, more efficient systems while saving money, creating local jobs, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
An energy analyst performs a home energy assessment to identify and recommend energy efficiency improvements and unlock rebates. 📷 Licensed from Adobe Stock
Colorado utilities are also leading the charge. Right here in the Eagle Valley, Holy Cross Energy (HCE) is setting the bar for clean energy. In May 2025, the co-op supplied 96% of its electricity from clean, renewable sources, a remarkable leap from just 39% in 2018. On average, HCE expects to deliver around 85% clean energy in 2025, and it remains on track to hit its target of 100% clean energy by 2030. This progress comes from expanding solar and wind projects, investing in battery storage, and partnering with communities to make homes and businesses more energy efficient. There are also many local rebates available from Holy Cross Energy and Energy Smart Colorado that can be stacked with state programs for residences, commercial businesses, and multifamily homes to join in on energy efficiency. Contact a Walking Mountains Energy Coach to maximize your savings and get started.
Alongside clean energy, Colorado is making moves to reduce waste through composting and recycling initiatives. Reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, reduces green house gas emissions, while also slowing down the need to build new landfills – which is costly for us citizens, and harms the land. Organizations like Eco-Cycle and Recycle Colorado are leading change in waste diversion policy initiative, with an overarching goal to provide composting and recycling access to everyone in the state, increasing consumer responsibility through education and public awareness. In 2022 the Producer Responsibility Act (PRA) was passed which holds manufacturers accountable for recycling their products, including goals and incentives to reduce a product’s negative life. Colorado became the 3rd state to pass the law on Producer Responsibility on packing and paper reimbursement for 100% of recycling costs. According to Eco-Cycle the PRA for packing and paper is projected to expand recycling to 700,000 Colorado households, recycling an additional 410,000 tons for a total of 720,000 tons/year.
The Local Sustainable Agriculture Tour Group at Gerard Family Ranch learns about their operations during Climate Action Week 2025. 📷 Licensed from Adobe Stock
On another local level, Walking Mountains and the Climate Action Collaborative are hosting Climate Action Week from April 14th to April 22nd, a series of events designed to inspire awareness and action around community-based climate solutions in Eagle County. The week features a wide range of activities, from a Green Buildings Tour highlighting energy efficiency in an Eagle Ranch home and the Eagle County Geothermal Project, to an upcycled craft workshop at the Habitat ReStore, and a Local Agriculture Tour hosted by the Eagle County Conservation District and Eagle Valley Land Trust, showcasing local producers.
Participants can also earn rewards for choosing sustainable transportation throughout the week. Download the Sole Power Plus app and track a trip, whether carpooling, bussing, biking, or walking, to receive a free drink and snacks at the Happy Hour at Ein Prosit on April 22nd. You’ll also be entered for a chance to win an e-bike and other amazing prizes.
Colorado shows us that even when national headlines feel discouraging, progress is still within reach. By embracing clean energy, expanding recycling and composting, and empowering communities to take action, the state is building a future that’s healthier, more resilient, and more connected. Together, these efforts remind us that local action has the power to ripple outward, and that with hope and determination, we can build the sustainable world we want to see.
Lizzie Vatis is a Sustainability Intern at Walking Mountains
