Colorado

COLORADO

Colorado, like most other states, is getting hotter and dryer. In May, 2021, NOAA released new data, showing Colorado Springs and Denver with the greatest increases.

In 2019, Governor Jared Polis began creating plans for Colorado to wean itself off fossil-fuel energy use, replacing it with renewable sources, and drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in the coming years. In May of that year, Polis signed into law the Climate Action Plan To Reduce Pollution. That and the “Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap” (CGGPRR), also issued by the governor, set goals of reducing emissions from 2005 levels by at least 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. “This is our plan for creating a pathway to 100 percent renewable energy in our state, creating good green jobs that can never be outsourced, and saving people money on electricity,” Governor Jared Polis said in a press release from 2019. “The roadmap is not just about a vision, but includes concrete steps that will help us reap the economic benefits of renewable energy, curb pollution of our air, and fight climate change.”

According to the EIA, by 2020 Colorado’s net generation from coal-fired power plants was already 36%, down from 68%  in 2010. During the same period, Colorado became the 7th natural gas-producing state but also tripled its renewables –led by wind and solar– accounting for 30% of the state’s total generation.

Polis’ legislation  demonstrates its particular concerns with air pollution and health by addressing transportation and buildings — the biggest consumer sectors in Colorado accounting for 29.3 % and 27.6 % of the state’s energy consumption respectively.–a direction bolstered by a sense that the state’s power sector is already headed in the right direction.

By June, 2021, Governor Polis had also signed a bipartisan Energy Transition bill into law that will provide $15 million to help workers and localities dependent on coal transition to a clean energy economy. The money will fund the Office of Just Transition, which was created in 2019 to aid workers and communities dependent on coal as utilities in the state shift toward clean energy.

Colorado utilities are cutting their use of coal, in part due to the legislation requiring the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, but also because of the falling cost of wind and solar. “The key to a truly just transition unlocks new opportunities in more places than ever before — not only to provide jobs, but to support schools, and improve systems that are critical to powering our communities,” Polis said at the bill’s signing. In 2021, NPR’s Steve Inskeep covered a story of a closing coal plant transitioning to a new “kind of renewable energy storage.” It would reuse the steam turbine, the transmission facilities and add a massive tank of salt. When melted, the salt would create steam to run the turbine and generate electricity. Thus, creating power when the grid needed it.

Colorado State University-Pueblo became the first campus in the state to reach net-zero efficiency last week when the school switched on its 23-acre solar array project.

Colorado is one of twenty four states, plus Puerto Rico, committed to the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors, created in 2017, committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

CURRENT NEWS

Gov. Jared Polis orders state to phase out “loud, smelly, noisy” yard tools

By Shaun Boyd 09/14/23
Gov. Jared Polis issued an executive order aimed at making Colorado greener, cleaner, and quieter. It requires the state - and state contractors - to phase out all gas-powered lawn and garden tools over the…
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#Colorado already warmed 2.9 degrees, could warm by 5.5 degrees by 2050 — Steamboat Pilot & Today #ActOnClimate

09/08/23
Colorado statewide annual temperature anomaly (F) with respect to the 1901-2000 average. Graphic credit: Becky Bolinger/Colorado Climate Center
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The Colorado River is significantly declining due to climate change

By Dan Grossman 09/07/23
The Colorado River is an artery that pumps millions of gallons of water to tens of millions of people in the Southwestern United States. And as much as the river divides and segments the land…
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Canada’s wildfires are a country away but affect Colorado in multiple ways

By Sammy Herdman 09/05/23
The North American boreal forest, a sprawling terrain of spruces, firs, and lakes, is the world’s largest remaining undisturbed forest, covering more than one billion acres in Canada. Fires, propelled by climate change, are mottling…
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Colorado faces a water-stressed future. Here’s how the state uses its existing supply.

By Shannon Mullane 09/05/23
After two decades of near-constant drought, Colorado’s water supply is stressed. And there’s not much relief in sight.
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A Colorado City Has Been Battling for Decades to Use Its Own Water

By David Gelles 09/05/23
Jack Ethredge could see the future. It was 1985, and Mr. Ethredge, then the city manager of Thornton, Colo., understood that sooner or later, the Denver suburb would need more water.
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A fight is brewing to build Colorado’s first geothermal plant as neighbors oppose development

By Tracy Ross 09/03/23
Oh, to be of an advanced age and staring out over a field of sagebrush knowing you’re closer than ever to realizing a dream that may not be fulfilled in your own lifetime.
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July was the hottest month ever recorded and Colorado’s mountains didn’t fully escape it

By Ryan Spencer 08/24/23
As the earth roasted last month, reaching a global average temperature that scientists have confirmed to be the highest on record for any month, the Colorado High Country got an uneven sampling of the heat.
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More frequent extreme weather events on the horizon, Colorado climate experts say

By CBSColorado.com Staff 08/21/23
A barrage of devastating weather events this summer, including the wildfires on Maui and in Canada, and now Hurricane Hilary, are just more examples of a continuing trend toward increased extreme weather events, climate experts…
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Biden picks on Boebert in clean energy manufacturing speech

By Alex Gangitano 08/09/23
President Biden mocked Rep. Lauren Boebert (Colo.) on Wednesday during remarks out West on clean energy manufacturing, making her the latest Republican to get called out in his recent speeches.
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Study: Colorado River Basin lost 40 trillion liters to climate change

08/03/23
A new study finds that, from 2000 to 2021, climate change had caused the Colorado River Basin to lose more than 40 trillion liters (10 trillion gallons) of water — about equal to the entire…
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PLANS TO ACCELERATE RENEWABLES

Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Nearly $19 Million in Clean Energy Funding for Rural Communities Across Colorado

09/06/23
Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $18.83 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for agriculture producers and rural small businesses across Colorado to lower…

Mapping Clean Energy in the West

08/31/23
The Southwest has an enormous opportunity to accelerate the shift from fossil to clean power. Utilities in the region can use new tax credit adders that will make clean energy like wind and solar more…

Greenbacker acquires three solar power projects in Colorado

08/24/23
Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC (“GREC” or “Greenbacker”), a leading climate-focused investment manager and independent power producer, has purchased, through a wholly owned subsidiary, three solar projects totaling 12 MWdc in southwestern Colorado from OneEnergy…

Gov. Polis shares state renewable energy progress, goals at CU Boulder

08/08/23
The American Solar Energy Society is hosting its 52nd annual national solar conference at CU Boulder until Friday. Educators, architects, policy makers and more from around the country have gathered to learn about emerging trends,…

What’s driving sudden flare of solar energy and storage in Colorado?

07/21/23
Major solar flares are hitting Colorado, but not in the form of northern lights or the radio blackouts scientists have warned about in recent days.

Vestas Announces $40 Million Investment to Manufacture V163-4.5 MW™ Turbine in Colorado

07/19/23
Vestas plans to invest $40 million in its two Colorado factories for building expansions, production equipment, and new blade moulds, which will provide the infrastructure needed to bring the V163-4.5 MW turbine to market and…

Xcel Energy begins construction for massive Colorado’s Power Pathway project

06/07/23
This transmission infrastructure will carry electricity from generation resources along Colorado's eastern plains to the cities around the Front Range through a 550-mile, 345-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line. That line encircles eastern Colorado, one of the…

Colorado pushes ahead in green hydrogen — a new technology to curb global warming

06/06/23
Colorado is leading the way on standards for green hydrogen, a young industry that could play a major role in helping the U.S. meet its climate goals.

Energy secretary announces $150M for renewable energy lab during Colorado visit

05/22/23
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm during a Monday visit to Colorado announced a $150 million investment in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Artificial Intelligence to be used at CSU to help mitigate climate change

05/18/23
Colorado State University (CSU) is partnering with the University of Minnesota to create a new National Artificial Intelligence Research Institute.

Gov. Jared Polis signs “enormous package” of green energy and climate change bills

05/11/23
Colorado has new climate goals etched into state law and a slew of new tax credits and programs to help get it there.

Polis’ land use bill aimed to blunt climate change. Conservation groups say watering it down is a ‘huge disappointment’

04/28/23
Before it was subjected to hours of criticism from local elected officials, before it was trimmed then gutted by legislators trying to appease those same local officials, Senate Bill 23-213 was a ray of hope…

DOE Announces New Effort to Power Colorado’s Federal Facilities with 100% Clean Energy by 2030

04/21/23
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Xcel Energy announced today they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide Federal facilities in Colorado with 100% carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) by 2030. This marks the…

Bennet, Hickenlooper Celebrate $9.5 Million for Solar Innovation In Colorado

04/20/23
Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $9.5 million from the Department of Energy (DOE) to help build out America’s domestic solar supply chain and develop technologies that strengthen our clean energy…

Colorado company may be our best hope for reversing climate change

04/04/23
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi joined Governor Jared Polis and top White House climate officials on Tuesday in Brighton for a major announcement.

Ski resorts in Colorado and around the world are embracing a new role: climate activist

03/18/23
While many resorts are focused on reducing their emissions, others are going much further, leveraging their influence to shift public opinion and pass legislation.

Adams County looks to attract solar panel manufacturing plant, 1,000 jobs

03/17/23
Just weeks after beating out the competition for a manufacturing plant making a cutting-edge electric vehicle battery, Adams County is in the running to host a solar panel manufacturing facility that could employ nearly 1,000…

Xcel Energy will cut Colorado bills again in April as natural gas costs continue to fall

03/14/23
While the state’s largest utility is under fire for unsustainable energy bills hitting consumers late in 2022, Xcel has also cut gas costs four times in six months.

‘There’s a real opportunity to make a difference’: Inside Colorado’s plan to expand geothermal energy

03/14/23
In Colorado’s quest to transition to renewable energy, the state’s leaders want to take an old-school approach: Drill, baby, drill.

Colorado Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen: green energy a priority in tour of Colorado School of Mines

03/14/23
The focus was on green energy as Colorado Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen took a tour of the Colorado School of Mines in Golden. While there, the Democrat representing Colorado's 7th Congressional District talked about developing the…

West warms to geothermal energy as a path to clean power goals

03/14/23
In Colorado’s quest to transition to renewable energy, the state’s leaders want to take an old-school approach: Drill, baby, drill.

Governor Polis, State Legislators Announce Plans to Save People Money on Energy, Cut Red Tape to Accelerate Clean Energy Transition & Ensure that Colorado Continues to be a National Leader

03/08/23
Today, Governor Polis, Rep. Cathy Kipp, Rep. Ruby Dickson, Rep. Mike Weissman, Senator Chris Hansen, state lawmakers, and community members discussed a historic bill package that will save people money, cut red tape to accelerate…

How Colorado has increased its use of renewable electricity

03/06/23
Vice President Kamala Harris is speaking Monday in Colorado about green energy reform. Harris’ speech will take place in one of the United States’ major fossil fuel-producing states, one that has taken large strides towards…

Understanding Colorado’s Environmental Waste Reality

02/28/23
Colorado’s renewable energy frenzy has been met with an array of positive news. It’s viewed as clean, modern, and the best alternative to break America’s addiction to fossil fuels. But as facts about recycling the…

Xcel Energy Could Face Severe Penalties for Delays in Connecting Colorado Solar Projects

02/23/23
Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest electric utility provider, is facing pressure from regulators and lawmakers to speed up the process of connecting businesses and homeowners with solar systems to the grid. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission…

Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions to build new solar plant in El Paso County, Colo.

01/18/23
Pike Solar project will provide clean energy to customers of Colorado Springs Utilities

In Colorado, oil firms fix leaky wells ahead of new rules

11/17/22
Northern Colorado's biggest oil producing region is emerging as a test case for energy companies hoping to tackle the industry's most pressing regulatory and environmental problems: capping old wells that leak climate-warming methane and other…

RFTA climate action planning project more than halfway complete

11/13/22
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority is more than halfway through its climate action plan project. The inter-governmental transit agency created a four-phase project aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions within the agency’s regional bus operations. 

Big Batteries Come to Colorado

11/07/22
The 13,500 solar modules sandwiched by hillsides of sagebrush, pinyon and juniper near Glenwood Springs capture the eyes. It’s the four shipping containers of lithium-ion batteries, capable of five megawatts of storage, that will briefly…

Xcel Energy’s controversial Unaweep Canyon pumped-storage hydro project gets preliminary federal permit

11/01/22
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Tuesday accepted Xcel Energy’s application for a preliminary permit to study a pumped-storage hydropower project in Unaweep Canyon.

Colorado utility agrees to low-income solar program in nearly $100 million settlement

10/24/22
In a settlement agreement with the Environmental Justice Coalition, Xcel Energy agreed to boost equitable access to rooftop solar, community solar, and battery storage. It will set aside $33 million for environmental justice communities and…

Boulder’s Namaste Solar gives gift of sunshine to families in need

01/10/22
Over the holiday season, a Boulder renewable energy company joined with a major nonprofit organization to give 176 Colorado families the gift of sunshine — and help with keeping their lights on in the face…

Less funding for road expansion, billions for greener transportation projects possible with CDOT rule change

12/16/21
The Colorado Transportation Commission on Thursday approved a new rule that could divert billions of dollars to clean transportation projects in the coming decades. The rule will require the state Department of Transportation and the…

A Colorado Coal Plant Could Help Solve Renewable Energy’s Storage Problem

09/22/21
As coal plants shut down, many places face the loss of jobs and taxes. But in Colorado, one town hopes to transform a coal plant into a new kind of renewable energy storage.

Colorado uranium miner launches US’s only rare earths processing hub

09/20/21
Rare earths are in advanced electronics and renewable energy systems but there's no U.S. supply, creating a big opportunity for one of the nation's poorest areas, CEO says.

Biden turns to Colorado’s NREL to pitch investments in clean energy

09/14/21
While legislators craft the details back in Washington, President Joe Biden is pitching his massive domestic spending package with a visit to a renewable energy lab in Colorado to highlight how the investments in clean…

Colorado looks to be ahead of Biden’s called-for pace on renewable energy

09/14/21
Colorado is ahead of several states and the U.S. when it comes to renewable energy sources, with about two-thirds predicted to come from wind and solar by 2030. Energy experts say the speed at which…

Progress on the roadmap

09/02/21
Colorado has a goal to run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2040—how far along the path are we, and is it still achievable?

Invenergy, Guzman Energy Partner on Colorado Solar Project

08/31/21
Invenergy and Guzman Energy, a Colorado-based wholesale power provider, have signed a 127 MW power purchase agreement for the Boutique Solar project, which is currently in development in Montezuma County, Colo.

Sen. John Hickenlooper: Renewable energy crucial to rural economic stability

08/31/21
Renewable energy sources will be crucial to the economic stability of rural Colorado, especially on the eastern Plains.

CSU-Pueblo first university in Colorado to reach net-zero efficiency

08/25/21
Colorado State University-Pueblo became the first campus in the state to reach net-zero efficiency last week when the school switched on its 23-acre solar array project.

Preparing for Climate Change in Colorado

08/30/20
This page provides an overview of the steps Colorado is taking to prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Colorado Climate Plan 2018 Update – State Level Policies and Strategies to Mitigate and Adapt

07/29/19
Colorado published its first Climate Plan in 2007, and advanced the plan with State Level Policies and Strategies to Mitigate and Adapt in 2015. This version, updated in 2018, incorporates additional commitments to climate action, as laid…

Bill HB19-126: Climate Action Plan To Reduce Pollution

05/31/19
Concerning the reduction of greenhouse gas pollution, and, in connection therewith, establishing statewide greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals and making an appropriation.

City of Fort Collins Climate Action Plan

04/02/19
The goal of this document is to set clear and specific emission reduction goals for the State of Colorado, to identify opportunities to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and to promote state policy recommendations and actions…

Denver 80×50 Climate Action Plan

03/22/19
Denver will aim to meet the following sector specific goals necessary to achieve the 80x50 Climate Goal. These goals were created to ensure there is a clear glide path to 2050 and a strong emphasis…

Boulder’s Climate Commitment

03/22/19
Boulder's Climate Commitment is the official climate strategy framework for the city organization. It provides a vision for Boulder's future, sets goals and targets related to emissions reduction and sustainability and provides initial pathways to…

Colorado Climate Plan

03/22/19
The goal of this document is to set clear and specific emission reduction goals for the State of Colorado, to identify opportunities to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and to promote state policy recommendations and actions…

Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap

10/02/15
The goals of the Roadmap are to assess the sources of the state’s greenhouse gas pollution; to identify a series of policy actions and other steps the state can prioritize to further GHG pollution reduction…

KEY RESOURCES

Colorado State Profile and Energy Estimates

09/24/21
Colorado has abundant fossil fuel reserves and renewable energy resources. Its diverse geography and geology include the headwaters of major rivers; potential to develop new wind and solar energy; and substantial deposits of crude oil,…

Energy State Bill Tracking Database

09/10/21
The searchable Energy Storage Legislation Database displays information in interactive maps and charts, tracking state activity from 2017 to the present.

The First National Flood Risk Assessment

10/06/20
The First Street Foundation Flood Model represents the culmination of decades of research and development made possible by building upon existing knowledge and frameworks regularly referenced in the identification of flood risk.

The State of Climate Adaptation in Public Health An Assessment of 16 U.S. States

10/06/20
EcoAdaptpartnered with the Natural Resources Defense Council to assess the state of climate adaptation planning and implementation for climate-related threats to public health in 16 U.S. states.

The Impacts of Climate Change and the Trump Administration’s Anti-Environmental Agenda in Colorado

09/19/20
Between 2017 and 2019, Colorado experienced seven severe storms, one wildfire, and one drought. The damages of each event led to losses of at least $1 billion.

Colorado Fires a Reminder That Wildfires Pose Threats to Life and Property Well Beyond California

09/17/20
“Damage caused by fire and smoke is covered under homeowners, renters and business insurance policies as well as under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy,” said Michael Barry, vice president, Media Relations at…

State-by-State: Colorado

07/31/20
Colorado is vulnerable to increasing heat, melting snowpack and glaciers, reduced water availability and wildfires

Lafayette Climate Bill of Rights

03/21/17
An ordinance of the city council of the city of Lafayette, Colorado, enacting the climate bill of rights and protections.

Colorado’s Climate and Colorado’s Health Report

07/29/19
Colorado’s changing climate poses health risks – now and into the future. Studies show that climate change and health are linked. Rising temperatures, polluted air and extreme weather, among the most impactful results of climate…

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

07/29/19
Climate change reports and resources

Four Ways the Climate Crisis is Impacting Colorado

07/29/19
Here are four major ways that residents of the Centennial State are seeing the impacts of climate change right now.

Impacts in Colorado

07/29/19
A partnership of University of Colorado research centers has collaborated on a great website to help you Learn More About Climate in Colorado.

350 Colorado

07/24/19
350 Colorado formed as an independent state affiliate of 350.org, a global organization building a movement to solve the climate crisis. Although we have been organizing events and growing since 2010, in 2013 we decided…

What Climate Change Means for Colorado

08/01/16
Colorado’s climate is changing. Most of the state has warmed one or two degrees (F) in the last century. Throughout the western United States, heat waves are becoming more common, snow is melting earlier in…

MORE NEWS

BLM proposes end to new oil leases on 1.6M acres in Colorado

By Scott Streater and Heather Richards   08/03/23  
The Bureau of Land Management proposed Thursday removing more than a million acres of public lands in Colorado from future oil and gas leasing, while also designating tens of thousands of acres of new protected…
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Is climate change making Colorado’s weather crazier? Yes.

By Michael Booth   07/20/23  
Canadian wildfires have choked some of the largest U.S. cities, including Denver, since spring.
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Xcel Energy wants to mix hydrogen into the natural gas system. It’s starting with this neighborhood.

By Sam Brasch   07/18/23  
Standing at her front door, Ashley Livesay couldn't mask her surprise after learning her stove and furnace could soon be fueled partly with hydrogen.
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Are sunflowers Colorado’s best hedge against climate change?

By Sarah Kuta   07/11/23  
Venture through Colorado’s Front Range during the summer months and you’ll likely spot vibrant yellow sunflowers growing wherever they can, like a thin crack in the sidewalk or along the edge of a bustling highway.…
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Guess Who’s Been Paying to Block Green Energy. You Have.

By David Pomerantz   07/05/23  
To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we have to make two big transitions at once: First, we have to generate all of our electricity from clean sources, like wind turbines and solar panels,…
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Wyoming, Colorado to partner on developing carbon capture technologies

By Sharon Udasin   06/28/23  
The governors of Wyoming and Colorado signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday for interstate collaboration on the development of carbon capture technologies.
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Fossil Fuel Giant Suncor Chooses Shareholders Over Breathable Air

By Matthew Cunningham-Cook and Andrew Perez   06/16/23  
An oil refinery is poisoning the air in Colorado due to poor maintenance and inspection, according to a new report from federal environmental regulators. But instead of devoting money to deal with the problems, the…
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More Exciting Than Watching Grass Grow: Restoring Colorado’s Prairie Could Help Fight Climate Change

By Henry Carnell   06/09/23  
At first look, the shortgrass prairie is not exceptional. Located east of Denver, the expanse of green and golden stalks stretches to the horizon with only the occasional muted shrub and forb adding texture to…
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Solar Farms in Colorado: Fossil Fuel-Free Energy Comes With Controversies

By Ilana Newman   06/08/23  
Cathy Topper stood at the door to her house looking over the field of solar panels visible from just about anywhere on her property.
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Meet the Climate Activist Demanding Action Against Colorado’s Only Oil Refinery

By Christian Allaire   06/08/23  
Growing up in Commerce City, Colorado, 21-year-old climate activist Alessandra Chavira remembers always adhering to one specific rule: Don’t drink the tap water. “Nobody in Commerce City drinks it,” says Chavira, who identifies as Chicana.…
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Landfills leak climate-killing methane. What is Colorado doing about it?

By Michael Booth   06/06/23  
Gas from dumps is more potent than carbon dioxide, a new report shows. Some Colorado landfills convert methane to electricity.
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Colorado’s wetlands are endangered by climate change and invasive species. New federal money will help protect them

By Carl Bilek and Others   06/03/23  
Look out at some of Colorado's most stunning places and there's a good chance that land is held by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Colorado is now a national model for clean hydrogen fuel. But what does that mean?

By Michael Booth   05/25/23  
National and local clean energy advocates are hailing Colorado as a leader in the quest to produce clean hydrogen fuel as another alternative to dirty fossil fuels. Their prime evidence is a law just signed…
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Xcel Energy plan to build 460 EV fast charging stations in Colorado angers retailers, other charging proponents

By Robert Walton   05/25/23  
Xcel Energy’s plan to construct 460 direct current fast charger stations in Colorado has angered a coalition of retailers and other businesses that say the stations will discourage competition in the EV charging sector and…
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Colorado’s Big Push on Electric Vehicles Gets Boost From Federal Funds, But It’s Got a Long Way to Go

By Robert Davis   05/19/23  
Dale Turnacliff was diagnosed with asthma in 2004 after he moved to Erie, Colorado. He had spent several years in Southern California’s Inland Empire, which these days is full of warehouses and logistics operations, before…
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Two States Are Ramping Up Clean Energy Incentives. That Was the Inflation Reduction Act’s Point

By Kristoffer Tigue   05/19/23  
Two states are set to significantly ramp up the financial incentives to adopt renewable energy and electric vehicles under new laws that mimic federal clean energy tax credits provided under the Inflation Reduction Act. It’s…
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Colorado is poised to set the nation’s first standards for green hydrogen. Will the federal government follow suit?

By Sam Brasch   05/18/23  
Inside a lab at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, a team of scientists bustles around a tall stack of metal plates known as an electrolyzer.
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Here’s what sets Denver’s mayoral finalists Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough apart on climate change

By Sam Brasch   05/03/23  
The lack of discussion makes some sense if you’re a political consultant. When Denverite surveyed more than 100 residents last summer, the environment ranked as the fourth most important issue behind housing affordability, crime and…
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‘It’s water vapor’: More GOP climate denial precedes Colorado greenhouse gas bill’s passage

By Chase Woodruff   04/28/23  
In what’s become an annual tradition in the Colorado General Assembly, Democrats in the majority are spending the final weeks of the legislative session passing bills aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while their Republican…
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The Colorado River and Boulder

04/10/23  
The Colorado River seems to be on everyone’s mind lately. News reports have mentioned climate change, drought, lower water levels and diminishing flows on the river. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about…
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CHI Launches Acclimate Colorado Health And Climate Policy Agenda

04/10/23  
The Colorado Health Institute is introducing Colorado’s Health and Climate Policy Agenda to drive policy changes that will help Colorado communities become more resilient in the face of climate change, and to improve health equity…
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A wet winter won’t stave off the Colorado River’s water cuts

By Joshua Partlow   04/03/23  
The abundant snow in the Rocky Mountains this year has been a welcome relief, but is not enough to overcome two decades of drought that has pushed major reservoirs along the Colorado River down to…
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Colorado eyes 100% EV goal while aiming to curtail car use

By Jason Plautz   03/29/23  
The state's updated electric vehicle plan seeks the deployment of at least 10,000 new electric bikes by 2025 to help replace short car trips.
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Action on climate change excites community

By Gabrielle Franklin   03/17/23  
The Environmental Protection Agency just announced $3 million in grant funding coming to the state to help Colorado with air pollution efforts. Leaders and climate activists say it is beyond time for action on climate…
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EPA with Governor Polis announces $3 million for innovative Climate Pollution projects across the state

By David Piantanida   03/17/23  
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Colorado will be receiving up to $3 million to develop innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies across the state. At the…
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Who gets harmed as the Colorado River changes?

By Jennifer Pitt   03/09/23  
National and regional media love a good fight, and lately a day doesn’t pass without a major news story or op-ed focused on Colorado River disagreements, particularly amongst the seven states of the Colorado River…
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Big money coming to Colorado to fight climate change and create jobs

By Alan Gionet   03/02/23  
Colorado is going to be getting $13.2 billion in incentive money to spawn the growth of the clean energy industry and reduce carbon emissions....
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The Root of the Colorado River Crisis: Corporate Water Abuse

By Mia Difelice   02/28/23  
In 1922, states agreed to allocations of the river’s water in the Colorado River Pact. But in the decades since, climate change has made those allocations unsustainable. In recent years, withdrawals on the River have…
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Aspen ski resort recognized for being eco-conscious

By Callie Zanandrie   02/08/23  
There's a push for sustainability in recreation and many ski resorts are making changes to protect the environment they get to operate in. Change like renewable energy to run lifts, electric buses and smarter snowmaking.
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Report finds 72% decline in western bumblebees in Colorado

By Rob Harris   02/08/23  
A new report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows a 72% decline in western bumblebees in Colorado’s Southern Rocky Mountains since 1998. The report found that climate change, drought, and increased…
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Gov. Polis calls on state utility, energy agencies to help curb costs

By Lucas Brady Woods and Natalie Skowlund   02/07/23  
Gov. Jared Polis says his administration is taking steps to cut Colorado’s utility bills following months of rising energy costs. Polis instructed the Public Utilities Commission and the Colorado Energy Office Monday to come up…
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To cut energy bills, Gov. Jared Polis says its time to rethink natural gas

By Sam Brasch   02/07/23  
Gov. Jared Polis on Monday blamed volatile natural gas markets for shockingly high winter heating bills, announcing new plans to help expand access to financial assistance and insulate households from future price spikes.
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The “Law of the River” at the heart of the Colorado River crisis

By Hayley Smith and Ian James   02/03/23  
It’s a crisis nearly 100 years in the making: Seven states — all reliant on a single mighty river as a vital source of water — failed to reach an agreement this week on how…
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$7.65M grant to extend study of how climate change shapes life at 10,000 feet

By Kelsey Simpkins   02/03/23  
For more than 40 years, scientists from CU Boulder and institutions around the country have braved thin air and often frigid weather to collect samples and data from above 9,500 feet on CU Boulder’s highest…
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Wet winter won’t fix Colorado River woes

By Bob Henson   02/02/23  
“One year of good flows doesn’t mean we have a trend,” noted one expert. The post Wet winter won’t fix Colorado River woes appeared first on Yale Climate Connections. ...
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Denver Bets on Rental Cars to Boost EV Adoption

By Sri Taylor   01/30/23  
To help people transition to electric vehicles, what if you start with rental cars? That’s the theory of a collaboration between rental car company Hertz Global Holdings Inc. and the city of Denver.
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As the Colorado River shrinks, Washington prepares to spread the pain

By Christopher Flavelle   01/27/23  
The seven states that rely on the river for water are not expected to reach a deal on cuts. It appears the Biden administration will have to impose reductions.
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In California’s Imperial Valley, farmers brace for a future with less Colorado River water

By Ian James   01/27/23  
Just north of the California-Mexico border, the All-American Canal cuts across 80 miles of barren, dune-swept desert. Up to 200 feet wide and 20 feet deep, the canal delivers the single largest share of Colorado…
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The Colorado River is overused and shrinking. Inside the crisis transforming the Southwest

By Ian James and Molly Hennessy-Fiske   01/26/23  
The Colorado River begins as melting snow, trickling from forested peaks and coursing in streams that gather in the meadows and valleys of the Rocky Mountains. Like arteries, its major tributaries take shape across Colorado,…
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A river guide’s view of Lake Powell’s decline and the depths of the Colorado River crisis

By Ian James   01/26/23  
Muddy water whizzed past as John Weisheit steered a motorboat upstream in the Colorado River. He revved the engine as the boat sped around a bend and up a riffle.
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Why your electricity and gas bill is skyrocketing in Colorado

By John Frank   01/25/23  
You're paying more to stay warm this winter in Colorado — way more: double or triple the cost of a year ago. "I thought there had to be some kind of mistake," Howard Manresa told…
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AI wildfire detection bill gets initial approval in Colorado

By Jesse Bedayn   01/23/23  
A year after the most destructive wildfire in the state’s history scorched nearly 1,100 homes, Colorado lawmakers are considering joining other Western states by adopting artificial intelligence in the hopes of detecting blazes before they…
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Why the ground under Colorado solar panels is ripe for growing food

By Gabe Allen and Tyler Hickman   01/22/23  
A Republican lawmaker has joined the previously Democrat-only push for solar agriculture, or agrivoltaics, priming Colorado to become a national leader
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Colorado Wants More EVs on the Road, Without a Gas Car Ban

By Angely Mercado   12/15/22  
Colorado's draft EV plan includes e-bikes, electrifying larger vehicles, and setting up more charging stations.
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Boulder Named Climate Action Leader by Carbon Disclosure Project

By Leah Kelleher   11/18/22  
The City of Boulder has once again been recognized as a global leader on environmental action and transparency by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). This international nonprofit reviews environmental data provided by local governments to…
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Change urgently needed to ensure people and wildlife have access to water in the Upper Rio Grande Basin, scientists say

By Olivia Prentzel   11/18/22  
The health of the Upper Rio Grande Basin is at risk and change is urgently needed to ensure people and wildlife continue to have access to water, a group of scientists and advocates said Thursday. 
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Voters of color in Nevada, Colorado influenced by climate change, survey shows

By Kaleb Roedel   11/18/22  
According to the African American Research Collaborative, which surveyed Black and Latino voters in 11 battleground states, climate change and extreme weather was the most important issue for 20% of Black voters in Colorado. That’s…
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Colorado groups gain air pollution monitors through EPA grants

By Michael Booth   11/15/22  
Community justice groups and environmental nonprofits are always looking for tools to combat air pollution they say is created by under-regulated oil and gas producers and other big industrial sources.
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Town of Louisville enacts ’emergency’ ban on new gas stations; initiative seeks to make move permanent

By Jake Fogleman   11/08/22  
If government officials can’t force you to purchase an electric vehicle, it appears they’ll simply ban your ability to fuel your internal combustion engine car. At least, that seems to be the tactic taken by…
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Official: 2021 Colorado wildfire losses surpass $2 billion

10/27/22  
A wildfire that destroyed nearly 1,100 homes and businesses in suburban Denver last winter caused more than $2 billion in losses, making it by far the costliest in Colorado history, the state insurance commissioner said.
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