- Across Colorado’s national parks there’s an estimated $205 million maintenance backlog.
- Republicans accused the EPA of not scrutinizing its own actions as closely it would a similar incident caused by private enterprise.
- The chairman of the House Science Committee called EPA's actions "inexcusable" in causing a toxic spill at an abandoned Colorado mine.
- In Colorado, 36 species of flora and fauna are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
- The Gunnison sage grouse was listed as threatened last November. That experience may offer some lessons about the greater sage grouse.
- The state found that metals from the trout in the Animas River were below detectable levels.
- Fort Collins town leaders are concerned that a proposed reservoir project would negatively impact the Poudre River that runs through town. The city council voted unanimously Tuesday night to oppose the Northern Integrated Supply Project, which would build a dam off the Poudre River and create two reservoirs.
- The coal industry has criticized the rule since it was proposed in July.
- An agency report also found that "underestimation of the water pressure" in the mine was likely the most significant factor relating to the blowout.
- Colorado must reduce its carbon emissions levels by 40 percent. It's well on its way.
- A 2013 report says taxpayers should be getting more money from federal coal extraction fees. Local governments say changing the fees will cripple the industry.
- Fees charged for coal extraction on public lands might go up. Some say they're too low and costing states like Colorado big bucks.
- But there’s still no information on the orange sediment that the toxic plume laced with heavy metals has left in the riverbed and on the banks.
- State attorneys general say they’ll be watching the effects to ensure that land is restored and residents are compensated damages.
- In the meantime, state agencies are helping the EPA determine the environmental and health impacts of the accident.
- EPA toxicologist Deborah McKean says the sludge laced with heavy metals moved so quickly after the spill that it would not have harmed animals that consumed it.
