![OIL AND GAS FACILITY](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/02/20240206-CPR02454.jpg)
Environmental groups file new ballot measures to counter oil and gas industry initiatives
If everything moves forward, Colorado voters could consider more than half a dozen initiatives related to the oil and gas industry.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/03/240320-QTS-DENVER-DATA-CENTER-AURORA-CONSTRUCTION-KEVINJBEATY-09.jpg)
Why a plan to subsidize data centers is raising concerns for consumers and the climate
The computing centers use vast amounts of power and water. That’s led to a battle over a bill meant to lure the lucrative operations into Colorado.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![cattle-ranch-eastern-plains-agriculture-20230708](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/easterrn-plains-farming-ranching-agriculture-20230708-001.jpg)
Colorado scientists developed a laser to measure cow burps
Researchers tracked climate-warming pollution, such as methane gas, at feedlots in northern Colorado.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![NATURAL GAS INSTALLATIONS WELD COUNTY](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/12/181203-WELD-COUNTY-18.jpg)
Colorado’s fossil fuel phase-out is likely to fail without big changes, but supporters still hope it sends a message
The bill doesn’t appear to have the support to survive its first committee vote without significant amendments.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![A neighborhood in Hudson, Colo., northeast of Denver. July 15, 2023.](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/230715-HUDSON-NEIGHBORHOOD-SUBURBS-HOUSING-HYDROGEN-XCEL-ENERGY-KEVINJBEATY-01.jpg)
Xcel Energy backs off plan to blend hydrogen into the natural gas system serving a neighborhood near Hudson
After residents and regulators raised safety concerns, Colorado’s largest utility no longer plans to test the climate strategy on local natural gas customers.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![220107-MARSHALL-FIRE](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/01/220107-MARSHALL-FIRE-BIDEN-HV-0047.jpg)
The Marshall Fire didn’t leave behind dangerous levels of soil contamination, new study finds
The fire torched homes and vehicles, but researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found levels of heavy metals in the burn area aren’t high enough to threaten human health.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![REDDEST-WESTERN-SUGAR-BEETS-FORT-MORGAN-PLAINS-AGRICULTURE](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/10/231005-western-sugar-beets-fort-morgan-hwv-0001.jpg)
Why a new air quality bill is the latest in rift between Gov. Polis and environmental justice groups
The legislation would expand the state air commission and force the state to close a “pay-to-comply” option for large industrial polluters.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![OIL AND GAS](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/02/20240206-CPR02432.jpg)
To improve Colorado air quality, state Democrats propose overhaul targeting pollution from Suncor, oil and gas
The legislation would impose regulations on sources of harmful emissions that contribute to smog and pollution.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/02/original-home-photo-1-e1708134995692.jpg)
What killed a 1980s program to kickstart a green home revolution in Colorado?
Today, the houses might look like a typical part of a cul de sac, but they were once the federal government’s answer to the energy crisis.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![Weld County Oil And Gas Drilling Extraction One Way](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/10/191025-FIRESTONE-DACONO-OIL-GAD-8.jpg)
Colorado is set to consider a ‘fossil fuel phase-out.’ Here’s why that’s a big deal
An upcoming bill from statehouse Democrats would stop Colorado from issuing new oil and gas permits by 2030.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![PUEBLO-XCEL-COMANCHE-ELECTRICITY-240130](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/02/240130-pueblo-xcel-comanche-solar-power-hwv-0002.jpg)
Colorado lawmakers prep legislation to limit local power over wind and solar projects
The plan comes amid deadlines to clean up the electricity grid and a movement that has successfully slowed renewable energy development in rural areas.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![Suncor Refinery Ean Thomas Tafoya Green Latinos](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2020/07/200716-SUNCOR-SAND-CREEK-WATER-0004.jpg)
Suncor Energy agrees to the largest air pollution penalty in Colorado history
The settlement covers illegal air pollution releases between 2019 and 2021 but doesn’t punish the company for more recent violations.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![blue flame on a gas stove](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/06/gas-stove-hv.jpg)
Xcel Energy proposes hiking Colorado gas bills by nearly 10 percent
Colorado’s largest utility says the increase is necessary to pay for improvements to ensure the safety and reliability of its extensive natural gas network.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![A charging station for electric-powered cars outside Denver’s City and County Building](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2020/05/200520-DENVER-EV-ELECXTRIC-VEHICLE-CHARGING-STATION-001.jpg)
Why Xcel Energy’s push to expand EV incentives has divided climate and consumer advocates
The plan would allow customers to combine ratepayer-funded rebates with Colorado’s already generous suite of incentives.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/01/Wolves-main-image-for-press-release-2302-OR.jpg)
Here’s where Colorado wolves have been hanging out — for now
A new map based on GPS collar tracking data reveals the predators have traversed a broad area centered around Kremmling.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch
![231215-WINTER-FROST-CAR-WINDSHIELD-COWO](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/12/231215-WINTER-CAR-FROST-0001.jpg)
Last weekend’s polar vortex will cost most Coloradans an extra $15 for increased energy costs
Natural gas prices were lower than in previous storms, but the state’s largest utility says the frigid weather could impact home energy bills for months.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2015.cpr-staff-fellow-sam-brasch-square-for-web.creditCPR.jpg)
By Sam Brasch