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CC4CA Policy Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Attendees
Members: Kristen Gray-Bertuglia (Vail), Jon Blank (Dillon), Don Cameron (Golden), Tricia Canonico (Fort Collins), Cindy Copeland (Boulder County), Honore Depew (Fort Collins), David Frank (Erie), Kathy Hensen (Adams County), Jodie Hartman-Ball (Clear Creek), Lisa Knoblauch (Longmont),Colin Laird (Vice Chair, Carbondale), Jean Lim (Broomfield); Sean McKenzie (Broomfield), Claire Mclaughlin (Aspen), Sarah Nadonly (Basalt), Jake Niece (Ouray County), Heidi Pruess (2nd Vice Chair, Larimer County), Laura Rosenbaum (Littleton), Steven Smith (Glenwood Springs), Eryka Thorley (Erie), Bridger Tomlin (Westminster), Nina Waters (Chair, Summit County), Teddy Wilkinson (Breckenridge), Jeffrey Woodruff (Pitkin County)
Additional Attendees from Member Jurisdictions: Ben Fulton (Adams County)
Staff: Lindsay Ex, Devon Reynolds, Anita Seitz, Jacob Smith
1. Welcome
Colin Laird welcomed members and first time attendees to the meeting.
2. Nuclear Energy Ad-hoc Working Group Updated Policy Approach
At the November Policy Committee meeting, the Working Group presented a draft policy approach. Policy Committee members provided feedback on the draft, and the Working Group has made revisions based on your feedback. At the December meeting, Jake Niece, Working Group Chair, and Lindsay reviewed the revised approach for the Policy Committee’s consideration.
Member discussion included the following:
- Appreciation was expressed for the working group’s effort and commitment to the approach.
- Members asked if there was any pending legislation that may impact CC4CA’s efforts in this area, and Anita shared that we have heard there may be a bill considered regarding nuclear energy guardrails. Anita also noted that Xcel’s Just Transition proceeding also considered nuclear.
- Members were encouraged to do a deep dive on the final report.
Heidi Pruess moved that the Policy Committee adopt the recommended Nuclear Energy Policy Approach; Tricia Canonico seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The policy approach will be shared with the Legislative Committee in January and the Board of Directors in February. The final report, including the adopted policy approach, is stored in CC4CA's Shared Drive under the Working Groups' Folder.
3. 2026 Policy Statement Update - Formal Launch, Establish Working Groups, & Share How Individual Members Navigate their Jurisdiction’s Process
Nina reviewed the process for updating the Policy Statement and that two working groups had been identified already: equity and land use.
Members discussed whether additional working groups would be valuable. Members discussed whether CC4CA’s policy positions on data centers and emerging technologies are sufficient. Members noted that water may be an area that CC4CA may need to dive in more deeply on as well, and Lindsay noted that we are planning for a working group similar to the nuclear energy working group for the fall of 2026. The other potential area discussed is transportation, and in particular, addressing needs across the state and express lanes. Jacob encouraged members to consider what already exists and if there is enough direction to establish positions. Based on this feedback and capacity, the committee determined to only launch the equity and land use working groups at this time.
Tricia Canonico moved that the Policy Committee formally launch the 2026 Policy Statement Update process and establish the following working groups: equity and land use. Heidi Pruess seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Members interested in joining either of these working groups are encouraged to reach out to Lindsay or Nina.
Members also shared how they gain support and/or review the proposed policy changes with their jurisdiction. One member shared that they only flag areas that might be of concern, and another shared that they review it with their commissioners and explain the threshold of “can you live with it” as they consider recommendations. It was reiterated that CC4CA does not prescribe a process for gaining internal support, and that staff are here to support if you have any questions.
4. Advocacy Updates
Anita and Tricia Canonico provided an update on the recent win related to Clean Heat Targets, where the Public Utilities Commission ultimately adopted a more stringent target that requires gas utilities to reduce emissions 41% by 2035, which keeps us on track for the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Jacob provided an update on the implementation of extended producer responsibility, which was another key win for CC4CA. We're at the stage where local governments will begin getting reimbursed for their investments in recycling infrastructure. Recycling rules will also be consistent statewide, which should make it easier for our residents, businesses, and local governments. Multiple members noted they have already filled out their paperwork for reimbursements, and some expressed it was quite easy.
Anita also shared that the administration has proposed to roll back the more aggressive fuel economy standards by reverting back to the 2022 baseline to increase efficiency by 0.5% annually instead of 2%. CC4CA is exploring the most effective strategies to engage with this issue and will keep members informed of any upcoming opportunities.
5. Executive Director’s Update
Jacob shared that CC4CA is in the process of updating our various email and calendar lists to align with the November election. Please let us know if you see errors or outdated information.
Jacob also noted that CC4CA will celebrate 10 years in 2026, and we are planning numerous ways to celebrate this incredible milestone.
6. Adjourn
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