colorado
Newsletter
Credit: Ales Krivec/Unsplash+
Rise of the shrubs: What happened when scientists heated a Rocky Mountain wildlife meadow by 2C?
A long-running experiment in Colorado provides an ‘alarming’ view of how rapidly unchecked global heating could transform fragile ecosystems.
Credit: Jason Hawke 🇨🇦/Unsplash+
Trump's EPA is paving the way for hazier national parks, activists say
Conservationists are warning that the Trump administration is working state by state to undo decades of progress in clearing skies over the country's beloved national parks.
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Credit: Steve DiMatteo/Unsplash
Worst snow drought in decades grips much of Western US
Except for California, most Western states are experiencing the worst snow drought in decades not because of dry conditions but really warm temperatures that change snow to rain.
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Cowboys and conservationists team up to protect Colorado lands
A coalition of ranchers and environmentalists joined forces to secure a 20-year halt on new oil and gas drilling in Colorado's Thompson Divide.
In short:
- An unexpected alliance of ranchers, cyclists, and environmentalists formed the Thompson Divide Coalition to protect nearly 250,000 acres of land from oil drilling.
- Legal vulnerabilities in existing drilling leases, especially around environmental reviews, helped the coalition challenge the leases.
- The Biden administration issued a 20-year pause on new drilling to allow Congress to consider permanent protections.
Key quote:
“This campaign has done an extraordinary amount of good to right-size the value of public lands, the value of environmental values like historic cultural values on public lands that weren’t getting adequate consideration in the old paradigm.”
— Peter Hart, legal director of Wilderness Workshop
Why this matters:
Efforts like these highlight the power of diverse coalitions in influencing environmental policies. Protecting public lands from oil and gas development is crucial for preserving ecosystems and combating climate change.
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Newsletter
A fire-fueled political shift in Colorado drives sweeping new laws
Kyle Brown, now a state representative in Colorado, leveraged his experience with the 2021 Marshall Fire disaster to enact laws protecting fire victims, transforming state policy.
In short:
- The Marshall Fire in 2021 led the then-city councilmember in Louisville, Colorado, to enter the state legislature, where he collaborated with fire survivors to pass laws addressing insurance delays, mortgage problems and fire-safe rebuilding.
- Survivors, using organized advocacy, guided these bills, resulting in rapid legislative progress that helped fire victims rebuild.
- The laws passed will benefit future disaster victims across Colorado, potentially serving as a model for other states.
Key quote:
“We needed to accelerate the pace of recovery, so I just listened.”
— Kyle Brown, Colorado state representative
Why this matters:
The Marshall Fire recovery efforts show that organized community advocacy can drive significant legislative change. These new laws may set a precedent for disaster-prone regions nationwide.
Related EHN coverage:
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Newsletter
Colorado faces persistent ozone pollution despite climate efforts
A combination of wildfires, climate change and geography contributes to frequent ozone pollution in Colorado's Front Range, causing health concerns despite emission reduction efforts.
In short:
- The Denver metropolitan area and Northern Front Range regularly exceed federal ozone standards due to climate change, wildfires and unique geography.
- Ground-level ozone, formed by pollutants reacting with sunlight, poses health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues.
- Efforts to reduce emissions have improved air quality, but wildfires and hotter days challenge further progress.
Key quote:
“We really encourage people to make sure they’re taking all of their cardio-protective medications when the pollution is spiking.”
— Anthony Gerber, director of pulmonary research at National Jewish Health
Why this matters:
Ozone pollution affects respiratory and cardiovascular health, impacting vulnerable populations. As climate change continues, strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to changing conditions are crucial for public health.
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Oil drilling project near Aurora homes faces critical decision
The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission is deliberating a plan for significant oil drilling near Aurora, challenging new state regulations aimed at balancing development and safety.
In short:
- The plan involves drilling on the Lowry Ranch property, a former Air Force site, proposing 156 wells over six years, with Civitas Resources seeking to streamline the permit process.
- Environmental groups and residents oppose the project, citing risks such as proximity to the Aurora Reservoir and a Superfund site, which Civitas has agreed not to drill under.
- The 2019 health and safety law reform gave local governments more power over drilling, and the plan’s approval will test the new regulations.
Key quote:
“What we’ve seen is people from all walks of life and various levels of oil and gas knowledge looking at the CAP application and realizing something isn’t right about it.”
— Mike Foote, environmental attorney
Why this matters:
The decision will test Colorado’s 2019 law meant to protect public health while allowing energy development. The outcome could influence future energy projects and the state’s approach to balancing environmental and economic interests.
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