- An Alliance For Community Action
- (970) 256-7650
- info@WesternColoradoAlliance.org
Help coal communities re-invent their economies
“The mining jobs are gone and aren’t coming back. We need real investment to make sure communities have sustainable jobs for future generations.”
— Roger Carver, Alliance member and former President of United Mine Workers of America Local 1281
As Colorado takes bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet its climate protection goals, rural coal communities are experiencing rapid changes in our economies — changes that have resounding impacts across Western Colorado. That’s why it’s essential that the state of Colorado strengthens its commitment to rural communities impacted by this significant economic transformation.
Two years ago, the Office of Just Transition was created to provide critical funding to coal workers and other communities as Colorado begins to move to renewable and clean energy sources. However, the office needs more money and resources to fulfill its mandate to support transitioning communities.
The state has received billions in federal dollars to invest in rebuilding our economy after COVID-19 and two years of economic instability. Right now, Colorado lawmakers have the opportunity to use some of these federal funds for the Office of Just Transition. We know Western Colorado communities have the gumption and fortitude to make this transition if we receive the help and support promised when the office was created.
Thank you. Together, we can meet our climate goals and build healthy, just, and resilient economies in rural Colorado.
Emily stepped up as our staff director in 2017, but originally joined our team as a community organizer in 2013. Born and raised on the Western Slope, Emily graduated from Colorado State University and then had the privilege of learning from and working alongside organizers in Central and South America as well as Appalachian coal country. They returned to their home state to protect the land they love and work with fellow Coloradans for a healthy, just and self-reliant future for our rural communities. Emily enjoys organizing, exploring the Colorado Plateau, country music and punk concerts with equal passion.