Why Clean Energy Matters for Our Health
Colorado can be a
national leader in the transition from fossil fuel-based energy production to clean energy. We now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve our air and water,
boost our communities’ health, and build a better, more sustainable future. Through clean energy, like wind and solar power, we can ensure that all Coloradans breathe cleaner air, experience fewer health risks, and benefit from the reliable, affordable electricity that is powered by clean energy.
Emissions from power generation are
one of Colorado’s largest sources of climate pollution, which contributes to polluted and dangerous air quality, particularly in communities already facing disproportionate health burdens. For more than a decade, Colorado has
failed to meet federal clean air standards, leading to increased cases of asthma, heart disease, and other pollution-related illnesses. Older adults, children, and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to these risks.
By transitioning to clean energy, we can significantly cut harmful emissions, reduce negative health impacts and emergency room visits, and
improve the overall well-being of our communities.
Health Professionals Support a Clean Energy Future
Healthy Air & Water Colorado (HAWC) works with doctors, nurses, and medical researchers to raise awareness of the
growing public health threats posed by climate change.
These health professionals and our network of advocates support policies that
lead toward a clean energy future because they see the direct health impacts in hospitals and communities across the state each and every day. Here’s what they have to say:
What Colorado Voters Think About Climate, Health, and Clean Energy
New polling shows strong support for clean electricity and concern about the health impacts of climate change
At Healthy Air and Water Colorado, we know that climate change isn’t just about the environment — it’s about our health. And it turns out, a lot of Colorado voters agree.
We recently took a poll to ask voters across the state how they feel about the connection between climate change and health, and whether they’d support candidates pushing for 100% clean and reliable electricity by 2040. The poll included 675 voters statewide and it was conducted from May 29 through June 4, 2025.
Here’s what we learned:
🌡️ Voters see climate change as a health issue
- 65% of statewide voters agree that climate change is already harming human health.
- Among Democratic primary voters, agreement shoots up to 91%, with most saying they strongly agree.
- Support is especially strong among young voters, women, and college-educated Coloradans.
⚡ Clean energy has big-time voter support
- 59% of voters statewide say they’d be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports 100% clean electricity by 2040.
- That number climbs to 83% among Democratic primary voters, with over half saying “much more likely.”
What this means for HAWC – and for all of us
This poll confirmed what we already suspected: talking about climate change through the lens of public health really resonates with voters – especially younger people, women, and Democratic primary voters. And pushing for 100% clean electricity? It’s not just good policy. It’s good politics.
We’ll be using this data to guide how we talk about these issues, shape policy conversations, and build support across Colorado. If you’re passionate about protecting health and fighting climate change, we hope you’ll join us. Together, we can make sure Colorado leads the way on clean air, clean water, and a healthier future.
HAWC Advocate Clean Energy Voices:
Resources:
