Northeastern Colorado has a bustling, resilient economy because we’ve mastered the delicate dance between meeting agricultural needs and creating a diverse energy portfolio. The key to our continued success and rapid economic development is an all-of-the-above approach to energy growth that strengthens our grid and protects our communities.

At Pro15, we strive to uplift rural communities to make them stronger for generations to come, and we can achieve that by teaming up and choosing smart energy solutions together.

The addition of renewable energy to Colorado’s energy grid has proven to be a massive asset to the Golden Plains region. The Rush Creek Wind Farm and surrounding projects have created demand for a rural workforce at Northeastern Junior College — one of the few colleges in the state that offers a program for aspiring wind technicians. Our region is mainly agricultural, but that doesn’t mean every student has grown up on a family farm. Colorado’s energy industry gives young people a reason to stay in their rural communities, instead of needing to seek professional opportunities elsewhere.

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Homegrown energy sources have a profound impact on energy security and independence, allowing Colorado to be less dependent on foreign adversaries for our energy needs. Domestic energy sources are abundant, and we should value the energy production in our state and beyond.

Colorado’s rural communities are what make this state a special place to live, work and visit. With continued energy leadership, this can remain true now and into the future.

Cathy Shull

Executive Director of Pro15

Fort Morgan

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