55.4

Risk Grade

Fair

Ski resort economy creates NIMBY opposition to large solar infrastructure; Yampa Valley Electric territory; transitioning from coal (Yampa Station) but community polarized; scenic standards complicate approvals

Assessment Snapshot

Population

25638

State Rank

#46

Compliance

58%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

No specific moratorium information available.

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

200 ft from non-participating residences; viewshed review required

Zoning Mechanism

Special Use Permit (county planning commission)

Acreage Caps

No formal cap, but SUP discretionary

Density Caps

Spacing Rules

None specified

Size Restrictions

<50 MW county SUP; >50 MW CEO review

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Mixed-Negative — ski resort/ranching community; strong viewshed protection sentiment; coal-to-clean tension with labor

Basis for Assessment

Steamboat Pilot & Today coverage; county planning records; public hearing comments

Political Risk Factors

Worsening

Board Members

Tim Corrigan (R, 2026) | Beth Melton (D, 2027) | Sonja Macys (D, 2026)

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

Yampa Valley Electric Association / WECC

Utilities

Yampa Valley Electric Association

State Permitting Process

County zoning; HB 23-1232 CEO review >50 MW; decommissioning bond required

State Incentives

Federal ITC; Colorado Clean Energy Fund; Xcel RE procurement programs

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects

Yampa Valley Solar (~3 MW community solar, 2021)

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

Steamboat Solar 50 MW proposal withdrew 2022 citing opposition

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Routt County, CO — Solar Development Risk Assessment