Western Resource Advocates

“Electric utilities could now build large methane gas facilities in your neighborhood without engaging with the public or local governments or assessing environmental compatibility through this process.” WRA’s Emily Doerfler writes. “The core purpose of the Arizona Corporation Commission is to regulate monopoly utilities to protect Arizonans — both our health and our pocketbooks. But the commission is increasingly abandoning this watchdog role.” https://bit.ly/3RSyANe

At WRA, The West is our passion. Here's some scenes from the seven states where we live and work. enjoy the long weekend and we hope you find yourself somewhere beautiful!

Colorado River coalition gains funding to purchase of 1 million acre-feet of Shoshone water rights. "The Shoshone water right plays a critical role in compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act. The Keep Shoshone Flowing coalition says more than 1,250 Colorado water projects on both sides of the Continental Divide rely on the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program to maintain compliance with the law. That's tied to instream flow rights, which is water that protects the environment, including fish and riparian habitats, according to WRAs' Bart Miller." https://lnkd.in/gYqhRm4H

FirstBank, WRA’s Impact sponsor, is recognized as a top corporate philanthropist and focuses on “banking for good”. When you open a FirstBank checking account this summer (June 1 – August 30), the bank will donate to causes that help save bees, conserve water, and plant trees. WRA is proud to be one of those nonprofits. FirstBank prioritizes its customers, employees, and communities and is committed to doing what’s right for the planet. We greatly appreciate our partnership. Learn more at efirstbank.com/green. #GoGreen #ConserveWater #BankingForGood

River flows can be a proxy for ecosystem health. WRA’s Bart Miller, the healthy rivers director, said stream flow recommendations are the bedrock for protecting the environment. WRA is helping to facilitate the new cohort. “Flow has an impact on water quality, temperature, habitat — everything from spawning cues for fish to just keeping them alive when flows are getting low at the end of the summer,” Miller said. “There’s a wide range of benefits from having a clear picture of what stream needs are and articulating recommendations on how to improve or protect what the flows look like.” https://lnkd.in/gS4i47fR

Summer is officially here, and that means river season is in full swing. You can rep your favorite rivers by purchasing from Kind Design's River Topo line. Choose from over 250+ sections of major rivers throughout the west, or customize any section of river in the world, with their sun shirts, tech tees, and dresses. The best part? $2 of every purchase goes to WRA’s work keeping more water in steams which means more boating for you. https://bit.ly/3zq63ID

WRA is looking for an Accounting Associate to join our finance team! This position will report to and work with the Controller to support the smooth functioning of WRA’s financial processes. The Accounting Associate will be responsible for various financial duties including accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets records maintenance, recording financial transactions, various monthly reconciliations, and will assist with financial report preparation, the annual audit, and perform other financial duties and projects as assigned. Is that you? Apply today! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3xEEsmA

This ruling makes the work we do before state utility regulators and legislatures all the more important. Given the challenging new landscape for federal agencies created by today’s decision, state-level policy on climate action and environmental protection is more critical than ever. See more here⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gnRpKEu5

WRA is looking for a Development Writer to help advance and expand our donor communications. ✍️ This position will play an important role in advancing our mission through innovative and quality donor communications and will be responsible for developing persuasive content that articulates the impact of philanthropy and our organizational goals to engage donors and prospects. The Development Writer will harness storytelling to enhance donor understanding and will support and craft messages that connect with diverse audiences. Is that you? Apply today! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3zlqM05

In 2001, electricity from wind in Colorado made up less than 1% point, and solar was negligible. In 2023, wind made up 28% and solar comprised 6% of Colorado's electricity. 📈 “Wind energy has been a key component in the transition to cleaner energy sources in Colorado – 70% of the state’s renewable energy generation currently comes from wind turbines,” said Gwen Farnsworth, WRA’s deputy director of state advocacy in clean energy. “Before other states in the interior West were making large investments in wind, Xcel’s Colorado system was setting world records, sustaining wind energy over 55% for a single hour.” “Utilities in Colorado are also adding more renewable energy because it’s the cost-effective choice,” Farnsworth said. “Clean energy resources cut emissions, drive savings for Colorado ratepayers, and support a reliable electric system.”