Advocating for a clean energy future

The Colorado Nuclear Alliance began in 2023, inspired by our state’s ongoing energy transition and the growing support for nuclear energy around the world.

Colorado has the opportunity to lead the country by demonstrating that communities supported by coal power today can thrive after coal plants are shuttered. The transition to nuclear energy clears our air, provides high-paying jobs, and bolsters local economies.

Join us in shaping a brighter, carbon-free tomorrow for Colorado.

Work With Us

Our Vision

To create a reliable and abundant clean energy future for Colorado.

Our Mission

Improve the public’s understanding of the crucial role nuclear energy must play in a prosperous, resilient, and carbon-free Colorado.

Why nuclear energy?

  • Nuclear power plants produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, making them key in combating climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear energy doesn't contribute to air pollution, ensuring cleaner air for generations to come. Those clouds you see coming out of the huge hyperbolic cooling towers? They’re just that: water vapor.

  • Nuclear power plants do more than provide energy; they're integral parts of local communities. They create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to local infrastructure development. Moreover, many nuclear facilities prioritize community engagement, fostering partnerships that enhance education, health, and quality of life for residents.

  • Contrary to popular belief, nuclear energy produces very little waste. In fact, the waste, or spent fuel, from your entire lifetime of energy use would fit in a single soda can! Advanced technologies can also enable recycling and reuse of nuclear fuel, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource efficiency.

  • Nuclear energy stands the test of time. With proper maintenance and modernization, nuclear power plants can operate for decades, providing a stable and consistent energy supply. Unlike intermittent renewables, nuclear power is always on, ensuring continuous electricity production to meet the growing demands of our society.

  • Concerns about radiation often overshadow the reality of nuclear energy. In truth, nuclear power plants adhere to stringent safety protocols, ensuring minimal radiation exposure for both workers and the public. To put things in perspective, the radiation from nuclear facilities is comparable to the natural radioactivity found in everyday items like bananas. With rigorous safety measures in place, nuclear energy remains one of the safest forms of power generation.

Board of Directors

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    Benjamin Elwood - Board Chair

    Mr. Elwood is serving as Chairman of the Board. He is a former physicist (BS & MS) and current State radiation inspector with an interest in the intersection of science, energy policy, and politics. Ben brings several years of volunteer experience with the Democratic Party as well as serving as a Board member of Colorado Radiation Advisory Committee.

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    Mark Hinaman

    Mr. Hinaman is a registered Professional Engineer with a background in oil & gas production and operations. Mr. Hinaman was inspired by our nuclear planet from a young age and is in a relentless pursuit to bring nuclear energy to the community and state where he was raised. Mark Hinaman is the founder of Fire2Fission and the Fire2Fission Podcast and continues to promote nuclear development locally and across the globe.

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    Douglas C. Sandridge

    Mr. Sandridge is a veteran of the oil & gas industry, serving with over 45 years of experience in land management, regulatory compliance, marketing and public engagement.  He is currently the Senior Vice President of Fulcrum Energy Capital Funds and founded Oil & Gas Executives for Nuclear Energy to promote the increased use of nuclear energy.  Mr. Sandridge is an adjunct instructor at the University of Oklahoma and lectures extensively about the need for more energy and the vital role of nuclear in providing safe, reliable, and affordable low-carbon energy.

  • Patrice McEahern

    Patrice brings over 30 years of experience across the nuclear industry. She has led initiatives at major DOE sites, including Oak Ridge, Hanford, Idaho, and Rocky Flats. Her expertise includes nuclear safety, criticality and radiological safety, project management, and quality assurance. Patrice began her career in nuclear power and is a fierce advocate of nuclear energy as a solution.re

  • Scott Bean

    With over a decade in the nuclear energy sector, Scott has led international business development efforts focused on advanced reactor technologies, CBRN initiatives, and fuel reprocessing. He currently serves as Senior Commercial Manager at NuScale Power, managing client relationships, leading proposals, and negotiating commercial agreements. He holds advanced degrees in international affairs and interpretation, bringing a strong global and policy-oriented perspective to his work.

Officers

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    Ella D. Rose - President

    Ms. Rose is a registered Professional Engineer and veteran of the renewable energy industry and the founder of Rose Energy, a developer of utility-scale agrivoltaic (solar PV + farming) projects. An environmentalist at heart, Ms. Rose has a passion for energy generation and sees nuclear energy as an integral part of a clean energy future. She enjoys teaching others about how energy is generated and transmitted and has dedicated her life to serving at the intersection of clean energy and economic prosperity for the common good of humanity.

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    Art Curtis - Treasurer

    Mr. Curtis is a retired geologist having spent most of his career in the Rocky Mountain region. He worked as a hydrogeologist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in DOE's Environmental Restoration Program, as well as assisted the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments for Federal projects all over the US. Since retirement, he has joined the American Nuclear Society and the Health Physics Society. Mr. Curtis is a scientist who is dedicated to making the world a better place for his children and grandchildren.

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    Erin Ekblad - Secretary

    Erin Ekblad brings more than 16 years of experience in regulatory affairs, environmental compliance, and energy development across oil and gas, geothermal, renewable energy, and emerging energy technologies. She is the founder of Ekblad Regulatory Affairs, LLC, where she advises operators and developers on permitting, compliance, government relations, and complex regulatory strategy nationwide. Erin is recognized for guiding projects through evolving regulatory landscapes while protecting asset value, development timelines, and stakeholder relationships. She holds advanced credentials in regulatory compliance, energy, sustainability, and environmental management, and has been honored by the Denver Business Journal as a Top Woman in Energy and member of Who’s Who in Energy.