Good afternoon Chair Gonzales, Ranking Member Sonnenberg, and members of the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. My name is Sarah Jensen and I am a grassroots ambassador for the American Conservation Coalition, here in Colorado. I am also a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, where I am studying for a Master’s in Environmental and Natural Resource Policy.

I am testifying today in favor of Senate Bill 22-73, because I believe that the opportunities and benefits of advanced nuclear reactors for the state of Colorado are crucial to meeting our climate goals and providing economic opportunity to hard-working Coloradans.

I actually grew up in California, a state that prides itself on its very ambitious climate plans. But unfortunately, as a young person concerned about climate change, I’ve been disappointed by my state’s failed energy policies. Not only does California have the highest energy prices in the country and experience rolling blackouts, it’s also on track to fail its own climate goals. Why? Because we shut down our nuclear power plants.

In 2012, California closed the San Onofre nuclear reactors. Carbon emissions in the state rose by 35% that year. By 2025, the state is set to close its last remaining nuclear power plant at Diablo Canyon, which provides 8% of all energy to the state, and 15% of its clean energy. Emissions are expected to rise again.

Why do I mention this? To me, as a young climate activist, California is a cautionary tale of what happens when legislators make laws on the basis of fear and fiction, rather than fact.

I moved to Colorado a couple of years ago, excited to live and study in such a beautiful state, where actionable steps were being taken to protect the environment and the economy for my generation and the generations to come. I fell in love with this state, its people, and the incredible outdoors it has to offer. I do not want Colorado to make the same mistakes as my home state of California. While Colorado has also adopted some of the most ambitious climate goals in the country, these must now be followed up with common-sense action.

Every single day, I work and study with young people who are worried about the future of our planet, and are desperate for solutions. We understand that some people are concerned about the risks associated with nuclear energy, but we also understand the scale of the problem we face. And that’s exactly why we are so excited about the future of next-generation nuclear plants. With these newer, safer technologies, young people realize that we have a real opportunity in Colorado to produce clean, safe, and reliable nuclear energy. Senate Bill 22-73 will position Colorado to become a leader on this innovative technology, supplying clean energy and supporting a strong economy for generations to come. Thank you.

These remarks were given in front of the Colorado Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee regarding SB22-073 Alternative Energy Sources on February 15, 2022.