
Xcel Energy has the state’s blessing for a $2 billion power line on the Eastern Plains. Can it convince rural residents?
Local opposition groups claim Xcel Energy is sacrificing local ecosystems in the name of climate action.

By Sam Brasch

Gov. Jared Polis vetoes bill that would have required electric vehicle chargers in new and renovated buildings
While the governor supports an EV-charger build-out, he said the bipartisan bill risked further increasing housing prices.

By Sam Brasch

Cheap, energy-efficient manufactured homes? New federal standards aim for both
The U.S. Department of Energy has issued its first update for factory-built homes in 26 years. It hasn’t satisfied homebuilders or energy-efficiency advocates.

By Sam Brasch

National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado is part of a new effort to move national research centers away from fossil fuels.
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm announced the $38 million Net Zero Labs initiative in Colorado on Wednesday. NREL plans to take a leading role.

By Sam Brasch

When wildfire smoke brings poor air quality to Colorado, here’s how scientists protect their homes
The tiny particles in smoke can creep past doors and windows, which means it’s important to take steps to maintain indoor air quality.

By Sam Brasch

We asked Xcel why power bills are going up. They say it’s partly your choices
Xcel Energy customers have watched their utility bills skyrocket in the last few months — and costs aren’t expected to stop climbing any time soon.


Air quality, wildfires and building codes: Here are the climate bills headed to Gov. Jared Polis’s desk
And the bills that didn’t get passed.


Colorado’s oil and gas industry withdraws proposed 2022 ballot initiatives
The move guarantees voters won’t see another bruising oil and gas ballot fight — for now.

By Sam Brasch

A goofy, Colorado-made electric car is finding a second life with hobbyists
The Unique Mobility Electrek is a high-voltage eyesore dating back to the Carter Administration. That’s why fans love it.

By Sam Brasch

Proposal for statewide green building codes narrowly survives at the Colorado capitol
Supporters say the legislation would both help cut emissions and energy costs. Not all Democrats are on board.

By Sam Brasch

A Boulder climate activist died after he set himself on fire. His friends remember his talent and compassion
Friends and family of Wynn Alan Bruce remember him as a committed environmental activist and a loving member of the Boulder community.

By Sam Brasch

Peak Colorado wildfire season will start earlier and last longer, predict forecasters
The state has expanded its fleet of firefighting aircraft to help detect and smother wildfires throughout the summer.

By Sam Brasch

Is Xcel Energy making too much money? Colorado voters could get the chance to decide
The Independence Institute, a Libertarian-leaning think tank, has proposed a ballot initiative to return revenue from Colorado’s largest monopoly utility company.

By Sam Brasch

The EPA moves to declare the Front Range a ‘severe’ air quality violator. Here’s why that matters.
More Colorado companies will be forced to obtain and comply with tougher state air pollution permits, and gas stations will also likely be required to sell cleaner-burning fuel.

By Sam Brasch

Study finds climate change could make rapid wildfire blowups like East Troublesome more frequent
The research comes after the 2020 blaze reset expectations for fast-moving wildfires.

By Sam Brasch

Why a new UN report includes (but buries) research about the impact of climate misinformation
CU Boulder professor Max Boykoff contributed some of those insights, but he never expected it would get top billing.

By Sam Brasch