Intermountain West Embarks on Collaborative Clean Energy Transition
The Intermountain West region, spanning Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, is embarking on a collaborative journey towards clean energy, with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability. This transition, which involves 60 Native nations and numerous local communities, is guided by the Intermountain West Energy Sustainability and Transitions initiative (I-WEST) and bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
The I-WEST initiative has crafted a roadmap for the region's states to achieve carbon neutrality. This ambitious plan considers the unique landscape and the historic dependence on fossil fuels, which could present challenges but also opportunities for innovation. The region's diversity, including its significant Native American population, adds complexity but also strengthens the transition, as collaboration among states, Native nations, and local communities is crucial.
Permitting laws vary among the states. Arizona and Montana, for instance, prioritize environmental concerns. The Inflation Reduction Act provides additional incentives, supporting technologies that capture, store, and use carbon dioxide. The federal government offers states and Native nations tax credits, grants, and technical assistance to reduce emissions and deploy clean energy technologies. Three states—Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico—have already announced emissions-reduction goals or climate action plans.
The transition to clean energy in the Intermountain West will require support for local governments and states to mitigate lost tax revenue from fossil fuel companies. With the Inflation Reduction Act's incentives and the I-WEST initiative's roadmap, the region is well-positioned to embrace a sustainable future, fostering collaboration and innovation among its diverse communities.
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