Yuma Renewables Have a Ways to Go

Yuma, in far northeastern Colorado, wants to be the renewable energy capital of Colorado. This is great news, but Yuma has its work to cut out.

Right now, natural gas drilling in Yuma is booming. According to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, 798 drilling permits were issued in Yuma County last year. This was a record for Yuma County, which now ranks the fourth highest in terms of drilling permits issued.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel and it's anything but renewable.

What's happening in Yuma County reflects the paradox facing Colorado right now. While Governor Ritter and others are pushing for increased emphasis on renewable energy sources, there's not a lot of talk about decreased emphasis on fossil fuel energy sources. While the renewables are well and good, at some point we need to chart a path away from unsustainable energy development.

It's easy to plan for the future. Planning for the present is the hard part. We suppose you have to start somewhere, but let's not forget about where we're at right now.