Ballot measure 2A is part of Denver’s efforts to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in the city, but some are concerned about regressive nature of the tax Denver voters this year could give the city a unique tool for fighting climate change that is unlike strategies pursued by other U.S. cities. Across the nation, local […]
Climate
Posted inClimate, Environment, News, Wildfire
Five charts that show where 2020 ranks in Colorado wildfire history
This post was updated on Oct. 23, 2020, to account for new acreage figures from still-burning fires. Back in April, fire chiefs across Colorado were so alarmed at the possibility of fighting a raging fire season this summer while also fighting a raging pandemic that they urged Gov. Jared Polis to preemptively issue a statewide […]
Posted inClimate, COVID, Election 2020, Energy, Environment, Health, Politics and Government
Where Donald Trump and Joe Biden split on Colorado issues in presidential race
The race for the White House is not running through Colorado this year, but the differences between the candidates on local issues are profound. The economy and health care are just two of those issues where President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden split. Moreover, there is little doubt that the events of 2020, including […]
Posted inClimate, Energy, Environment, Growth, News, Newsletters, Outdoors, Outsider
A bold plan to protect 30% of Colorado lands and waters by 2030
Conservationists in Colorado are dreaming big. In a time of political turmoil and legislative impotence, a consortium of Colorado conservation groups is floating an audacious plan to conserve 30% of the land in the state — roughly 20 million acres — by 2030. Since statehood, the state has protected only 6 million acres. The state […]
Posted inClimate, COVID, Election 2020, Energy, Environment, Politics and Government
Gardner says Roe v. Wade is “settled law” in final U.S. Senate debate, as Hickenlooper talks court packing
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner said he believes the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade protecting a woman’s right to an abortion and a ruling affirming a same-sex couple’s right to marriage are settled law. “Both cases are settled law … and that precedent should be respected,” Gardner said. The Republican incumbent’s comments in the […]
Posted inClimate, Environment, News
These hay fields may know something we don’t: How to save the Colorado River
Grand County rancher Paul Bruchez stands in a hay field near Kremmling, holding a small tuft of hay between his fingertips, twirling it back and forth, seeing how quickly it disintegrates after a summer without water. The plant, known as timothy, feeds thousands of cattle here in the Upper Colorado River Basin. This hay species […]
Posted inBusiness, Climate, Energy, Environment, Growth, News, Wildfire
Colorado utilities fear wildfire risk — and liability — amid warming climate
As smoke from the California wildfires drifted eastward this summer, Holy Cross Energy CEO Bryan Hannegan had worries of his own in Colorado. In August, the hottest ever in Colorado, the Grizzly Creek fire growled and then charged several communities in the middle of his service territory that spans a 100-mile segment of Interstate 70 […]
Posted inBusiness, Climate, Energy, Environment, News, Politics and Government
Colorado releases its plan to slash greenhouse gases, leaving some environmental groups wanting more
The road to curbing Colorado’s greenhouse gases runs through heavy cuts to emissions from power plants and oil and gas operations, but also winds across ambitious reductions in pollution from cars, buildings and cows, according to a state plan released Wednesday. The Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap, released by Gov. Jared Polis’ administration after […]