WSP03239

• File Number: 8040.100
• Description: Section D General Studies - Power
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 10/8/1979
• Author: Colorado DNR
• Title: Preliminary Projections of Colorado Energy Resource Development and Associated Impacts
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

0009U~

-29-

FEASIBLE FUTURE ENERGY PRODUCTION UNDER CURRENT CONDITIONS:

A LOW LEVEL UPPER LIMIT ON DEVELOPMENT

The low scenario of energy development in northwest Colorado represents a

floor below which production will likely not fall regardless of events through

1990. This low level of energy development has been identified as close to

benign by Colorado state agencies in terms of the impacts which would be

associated with such a level of production. It is also true that there would

be few of the problems which would accompany the high scenario, while in most

instances the resources needed to accommodate a low level of energy production

would be available.

Based upon the responses of various agencies to the low scenario, it is

possible to identify the finding that a feasible level of energy development,

given current statutory and spending conditions, would be slightly above this

low scenario of production.

,
This can be said generally, although there are

specific constraints, such as the transportation sector where the backlog

of existing needs, for instance, 52 grade separated crossings at a cost of

$156 million and.schools, which stand in the way of pushing beyond even

the low scenario level of production. However, there are funds available

to Colorado to break some of these specific constraints even under current

conditions.

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs has tentatively calculated that

funds which can be put toward the alleviation of the pressure caused by

energy resource development could reach $300,000,000 by 1990:

Oil Shale Trust

$ 75,000,000

Impact Assistance

150,000,000

Local Government

75,000,000