Miguel Otárola | Colorado Public Radio

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Miguel Otárola

Climate / Environment Reporter

miguel.otarola@cpr.org

Miguel Otárola is a climate and environment reporter at CPR News.

Professional Background: Miguel joined CPR in 2021 after covering Minneapolis and its suburbs as a reporter for the Star Tribune. Before that, he began his journalism career interning at newspapers across the country, including the Arizona Republic, Seattle Times and Boston Globe. Miguel was also a host of a music show at KFAI 90.3 FM, a community radio station in Minneapolis.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s degree in mass communications from Arizona State University.

Energy
After the Marshall fire, regulators want to know how climate change and extreme weather will affect the energy grid
The Marshall has rekindled concerns that parts of Colorado's electrical grid might be under increased risk amid drought and rising temperatures.
By Miguel Otárola
Climate Change
The second half of 2021 was the warmest in Colorado history, national data shows
The average statewide temperature in that period was 53.4 degrees, more than four degrees higher than long-term averages.
By Miguel Otárola
Climate Change
The climate has changed fires in Colorado. The Marshall fire could shift how firefighting and land management are done, too
“This is a result of climate change. It is impacting communities across the west. This drought and having no snow is outside the norm.”
By Miguel Otárola
Environment
Colorado has different unleaded regular gas than other states. Whether it’s worse for the environment is complicated
Here's what the difference between those octane blends is exactly, and what it means for the planet.
By Miguel Otárola
Environment
Natural gas prices are lower than we thought. It still may cost more to heat your home this winter.
Xcel predicted gas bills would go up 57 percent compared to last year, but now the company says it'll be more like 37 percent.
By Miguel Otárola
Energy
Xcel Energy wants to change how it powers millions of Colorado homes. How that happens depends on these hearings
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission could decide the fate of Xcel's coal plants as early as February.
By Miguel Otárola
Environment
Colorado is abnormally warm right now, but that doesn’t really tell us how much snow will fall this winter
The combination of climate change and La Niña has brought warmer, drier weather.
By Miguel Otárola
Environment
Promised reviews of sage grouse protections, oil and gas policies could impact Colorado’s public lands
On his first day in office, President Biden promised to review the Trump administration’s policies around habitat for the greater sage grouse, and to look into the handling of onshore oil and gas leasing. Those efforts are now underway.
By Miguel Otárola
Energy
Xcel has reached a deal to close its controversial coal-fired power plant in Pueblo, cutting emissions
Xcel Energy has struck a deal to close Colorado’s largest coal-fired power plant before 2035, a move that could slash the utility’s carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 90 percent this decade.
By Miguel Otárola and Sam Brasch
Energy
Infrastructure bill could double funding to keep abandoned Colorado coal mines from collapsing and put out underground fires
"This is a game-changer."
By Miguel Otárola
Environment
Kruger Rock fire ignites near Estes Park, forcing evacuations
U.S. 36 between Lyons and Estes Park has been closed. The cause of the fire is unknown.
By Paolo Zialcita, Miguel Otárola, and Joe Wertz
Environment
Colorado is really falling short of recycling and composting goals, new report says
Less than a fifth of all cities and towns in Colorado have automatic curbside recycling programs — including Aurora, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Grand Junction.
By Miguel Otárola
Climate Change
Back from UN climate conference, Neguse and Hickenlooper talk up environmental and economic benefits of Biden agenda
Nearly 200 countries were still negotiating a global climate accord after the official end of the conference.
By Miguel Otárola
Environment
Colorado researchers say N95 masks can also protect against wildfire smoke. The other kinds? Not so much
Cloth masks especially don't offer much protection against wildfire smoke.
By Miguel Otárola
Environment
Oil company that contaminated soil, groundwater near Frederick school could have $2 million fine reduced
The oil and gas company has agreed to remediate several violations in exchange for a lower fine, but could still be charged the original fine if it doesn't fully comply with it's agreement with Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
By Miguel Otárola
Energy
Pueblo is preparing for a future without coal. Its residents have thoughts on how and when to do it.
Xcel Energy plans to stop burning coal in the city and close the Comanche Generating Station, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, by 2040.
By Miguel Otárola