Source: Aspen Public Radio

Excerpt:

Transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency is a crucial part of addressing climate change. But climate scientists and advocates say that the transition can be complicated, especially in communities that rely on oil, gas and luxury tourism.

In the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, two local nonprofits are working to help communities overcome these barriers and make the shift.

The Basalt-based Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) works with homeowners, businesses and local governments to help make their buildings more energy efficient.

The nonprofit provides energy assessments as well as grants and rebates for projects like weather insulation, solar power and new heating and cooling systems.

The Carbondale-based Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) does similar work to reduce energy consumption and costs across western Colorado.

They also focus on improving public transportation — and help drivers and transit agencies switch to electric vehicles.

Read more: As communities face climate change, CORE and CLEER help them transition to clean energy