Mapping the Transition
Electrification is an important part of a global transition away from fossil fuels. Today, the shift to electric cars, heat pumps, and the expansion of nuclear power are all rapidly growing industries. However, implementing this transition requires complicated ethical decisions from researchers, practitioners, and engineers and the origins of contemporary debates have long histories. In Colorado the state’s mining past, patterns of settlement, and at times contentious relationship with federal regulators complicate efforts at truly ethical energy transition.
To address these important questions, we are locating “sacrifice zones” – places contaminated by energy development – as well as identify key people, dates, policies, and catalysts for Colorado’s energy transition.
Research Team
Jose Cabrera, CU DLA Program, 2024-2025
Kurtis Cole, CU SPUR Program, Summer 2024
Funding
We are grateful to partner with the University of Colorado SPUR Program, the DLA Program, and Program in Engineering, Ethics & Society to provide paid research assistantships to CU Engineering students.