Four years ago, Gov. Jared Polis stood before Coloradans and laid out a bold vision: a world-class renewable energy research hub—Global Energy Park—right next to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden. This was supposed to be a place where science, innovation, and climate leadership would converge. Instead, the state is now seriously considering using this same land for an eight-story apartment complex. That’s not just a change in plans—it’s a betrayal of public trust.

The 9.3-acre site, secured through a land swap specifically for a clean energy research campus, was meant to strengthen Colorado’s role as a national leader in renewable energy. Residents of Pleasant View, who were told to expect a lab-style campus working in tandem with NREL, are now facing the possibility of a massive housing project that doesn’t fit the neighborhood’s scale, infrastructure, or character.

Yes, Colorado needs affordable housing. But we also need to honor the promises we’ve made—especially when it comes to climate action. This land was intended to bring together researchers, government, and the private sector to solve the energy challenges of tomorrow—not to become just another development opportunity.

We urge Governor Jared Polis, Strategic Planning Adviser Lu Cordova, and the Colorado State Land Board to stay true to the original purpose of this site. Let’s recommit to the vision that inspired the Global Energy Park: a bold, future-forward project that can create jobs, foster innovation, and cement Colorado’s leadership in clean energy.

Don’t let this become a broken promise. The time to invest in our renewable energy future is now. Keep Glo Park a beacon for science—not just another skyline.

Sign now to demand that Colorado honor its clean energy commitment and build the Global Energy Park as originally promised.