Once Xcel’s last coal plant in Colorado closes, is nuclear energy an option to replace its jobs, electricity?

Xcel Energy will close the Comanche Station coal facility near Pueblo , Colorado , by 2031 .

The coal plant has generated thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue for local governments, schools and special districts.

Xcel, the state’s largest electric utility, has filed a proposal to replace the coal-fired power with wind and solar energy.

A small nuclear reactor would get close to making Pueblo whole on the number and quality of jobs and property tax revenue that would otherwise be lost.

Workers don't want to see jobs that pay $80,000 to $100,000 a year replaced with lower-paying jobs, a local business manager says.

Proponents see nuclear power as providing a zero -emission energy source that can back up renewable sources when the sun doesn’t shine.

“Not only are renewables proving they can power our future, but they’re proving they can provide the jobs and economic stability that Pueblo has needed for so long,” Valdez said. Updated at 8:53 a.m. Nov. 25 to delete reference to Holy Cross and CORE Electric making payments to Pueblo County in lieu of taxes. 2024 MediaNews Group , Inc. Visit at denverpost.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency , LLC ..