
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

Electric buses, e-bikes and clean trucks: How Colorado Democrats plan to clear the state’s dirty air
A proposed $124 million bill at the Colorado legislature aims to provide incentives to reduce air pollution across the state.

By Sam Brasch

Why the EPA objected to parts of Colorado’s newest Suncor air pollution permit
The federal government has concerns about air pollution sources and wants the state to pay more attention to environmental justice.

By Sam Brasch

A new Colorado bill would fund free transit rides in the summer to help improve air quality
The proposal would create a new grant program to help eliminate fares during the summer ozone season, which lasts from June 1 through Aug. 31.

By Sam Brasch

The latest line of defense against wolves on this Colorado ranch? Guard donkeys
Call it a wild-ass idea to help livestock live alongside the predators.

By Sam Brasch

Colorado Democrats scrap plan to ban leaf blowers and lawnmowers to improve air quality
The shift away from banning gas-powered landscaping tools is the latest example of state Democrats falling in line with Gov. Jared Polis’ climate strategy.

By Sam Brasch

Colorado is about to rapidly expand its transmission network. Should it double as a bike highway system?
A bill in the Colorado legislature would require utilities to offer to help build bike paths underneath future power lines.

By Sam Brasch

The behind-the-scenes plan to protect natural gas stoves and furnaces in Colorado
An audio recording reveals Atmos Energy, a Texas-based gas utility, is working with FTI Consulting to plant op-eds and find people to testify in favor of natural gas.

By Sam Brasch

Louisville makes its tougher, green building codes optional for Marshall fire victims
Some councilmembers hope new incentives will compel residents to rebuild the most environmentally friendly homes possible.

By Sam Brasch

There are new financial incentives for Marshall fire victims to rebuild greener homes
Companies want to help residents meet new local energy-efficiency building codes. Some residents would rather see those standards pulled back.

By Sam Brasch

Colorado regulators approve Xcel’s massive new transmission line for the Eastern Plains
The $1.7 billion Power Pathway will carry electricity from future wind and solar projects.

By Sam Brasch

Prescribed burns could help prevent the next Marshall fire. They’re not easy to pull off in grasslands
Returning fire to the Front Range could reduce fuels and support ecosystems — if people can leave learn to live with them.

By Sam Brasch