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In 2003, Xcel Energy estimated it would have to increase CO2 emissions from its power plants 20% by 2020 in order to meet customer demand. Yesterday, the company released a plan that is targeting a 20% reduction instead. The "+20%" turning into a "-20%" is a difference of 40%, to be accomplished over the next 12 years. Pretty neat trick. Xcel is no small company -- 3 million+ customers in 8 states, $10 billion in revenue -- and obviously has a thing or two to teach other utilities. It took four years of pressure from a coalition called Western Resource Advocates to move the company to think smart and act right -- and that includes retiring two dirty coal plants. This is not only big news in Colorado. It's a national story on the art of the possible -- for lawmakers in DC especially, in need of inoculation against the naysaying influence of the power industry lobby.