Environmental management system

Tri-State’s Environmental Management System (EMS) achieves environmental compliance, enhances strategic planning and promotes environmental stewardship.

The comprehensive EMS guides activities and ensures compliance in a systematic approach that accomplishes environmental goals and keeps facilities running efficiently. Tri-State was among the first cooperatives in the nation to adopt EMS. We continue to make sure we’re meeting or exceeding the highest standards of federal and state clean air and water standards.

Our notable conservation efforts

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) honored Colowyo Mine as a Wildlife Partner of the Year in 2016 for its longstanding commitment to environmental preservation and conservation. Tri-State and Colowyo supported and welcomed Greater Sage-grouse research projects since 2001.

The next generation of low-carbon energy technology

In a few years, the Wyoming Integrated Test Center (ITC) at the Dry Fork Power Station outside Gillette, Wyoming, will house teams competing for millions in prize money for their solutions to carbon management. Tri-State committed funds to the ITC (link is external) to ensure it could move forward. The ITC is a model public-private partnership that will provide space for researchers to test Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS) technologies.

Supporter of the Leopold Conservation Award

Tri-State supports the Sand County Foundation, which awards the Leopold Conservation Award.

The Leopold Conservation Award Program recognizes agricultural landowners actively committed to a land ethic. Working with prominent state conservation partners, Sand County Foundation annually presents the prestigious honor in settings that showcase the landowners’ achievements among their peers. Many of our member's consumers have received this honor.

New Mexico Green Zia Environmental Leadership Program

Recognized in 2013 for our air emission reductions, state-of-the art monitoring systems, as well as for waste reduction and recycling. 

Colorado Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) Silver Achiever

Awarded for our efforts in voluntarily going beyond compliance with state and federal regulations and our commitment to continual environmental improvement.