In the first quarter of 2026, renewables made up 53% of Colorado's electricity, up from 43% in 2025.
In the first quarter of 2026, 53% of Colorado's energy came from renewable sources like wind, solar and hydropower, reports Allen Best in the Colorado Times Recorder.
This is up from 43% in 2025, but the state's goal is to reach 100% renewable energy by 2050. "Just 2.6% of Colorado’s electricity came from renewables in 2004, most of it hydroelectric from dams in the Colorado River Basin." The state ranks 13th in the nation for its percentage of renewable energy and 10th for total volume of renewable energy produced.
Growth in energy demand from data centers could threaten the state's clean energy goals. Meanwhile, natural gas remains a popular — and affordable — heating option for many Colorado homes. Currently, around 80% of Colorado buildings are heated with natural gas.
Read the full story: Colorado’s Milestone of 53% Renewables
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Boulder City appeals BLM approval of data center on public land
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
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Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
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Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
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One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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