Forestry officials believe the mountain pine beetle will kill virtually all of Colorado's mature lodge pole pine trees within the next 3 to 5 years. That will leave millions of acres of forestland vulnerable to wildfire. As KUNC's Brian Larson reports, cutting down the trees is an option to reduce the fire risk--and one that could spur a new state industry...
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:38 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Environment , Forest Plans
Governor Bill Ritter signed a package of climate change executive orders on Tuesday to mark the celebration of Earth Day. He says it's part of a larger state effort to address climate change. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 8:55 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Environment
A bountiful winter will likely lead to a record-setting season for Colorado's ski industry. But as KUNC's Brian Larson reports, copious amounts of snow in the high-country have some in the state starting to utter the f-word...
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 11:26 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment
From 2000 to 2006, Gale Norton was Secretary of the Interior under George Bush. Tonight she will deliver a keynote lecture as part of the 2008 State of the Rockies Conference. Noel Black spoke with Norton about cooperative conservation and her views on the environment.
Speaking Tonight: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - 2008 Rockie's Keynote Speaker: Ms. Gale Norton, Fmr. Secretary of the Interior, addressing Rockies resource management issues. Free. Armstrong Theater, 14 East Cache la Poudre. 227-8145
UPDATE: Listen to Gale Norton's Talk [right/option-click to download], or listen...
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:32 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Environment
In the Rockies, a new type of exclusive skiing experience is emerging, and some long time locals and ski bums aren't thrilled about it. Sandwiched between the famous ski resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek, the tiny old mining town of Minturn was long insulated from the gentrification of much of the Colorado Rockies. That changed dramatically this month, when the town's council gave the initial go ahead to a Florida developer to build a massive members-only private ski resort in the hills above Minturn. From KUNC, Kirk Siegler reports.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 5:43 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Entertainment , Environment
More than a decade after they were first put in place -- the Environmental Protection Agency has issued tougher standards for ground-level ozone pollution which is a major contributor to smog. But as KUNC's Brian Larson reports -- it's unclear how the requirements will impact Denver and the rest of the Front Range...
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 10:17 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment

Aurielle AndharaThe Canadian corporation Lexam plans to drill natural gas test wells on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge just outside the quiet town of Crestone--and near Colorado College's Baca campus. In response, San Luis Valley Citizens Alliance Executive Director Aurielle Andhara has made a documentary, Rural Impact, which addresses the impacts of oil and gas drilling on rural communities. Another recent documentary on drilling, Last Hat in Town, deals more specifically with its effect on residents of the Western Slope. KRCC's Michelle Mercer spoke with the two documentary directors and brings us this report.
A public comment period is open between now and March 2nd to voice concerns regarding the drilling and to call for a full Environmental Impact Statement.
The draft EA is available at: www.fws.gov/Alamosa/BacaNWR.html
Email comments on the draft EA should be submitted to Baca_EA@fws.gov.
Hard copies should be mailed to:
Mike Blenden
USFWS
9383 El Rancho Lane
Alamosa, CO 81101
Questions about the commenting process should be directed to mike_blenden@fws.gov, 719-589-4021.
Read More --> Continue reading "Baca Drilling" »
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 3:10 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Environment
A bill that would require developers to show they can provide enough water for the homes they build cleared a house committee on Tuesday with bi-partisan support. Lawmakers say it sets a standard for cities to plan for their future water needs. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Posted by Delaney Utterback at 9:30 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Environment
Colorado's Democratic Congressmen Jon Salazar and Mark Udall will introduce a bill to protect additional wildlife areas on the western slope's Roan plateau from oil and gas drilling. It would also try to make sure the state gets it's fair share of royalties from the federal government for energy development. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:54 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics , Regional
Renewable energy was the Governor's top priority last legislative session, But it appears a slate of issues will top his agenda next year. Ritter recently joined legislative leaders at the Denver Press Club to talk about priorities for the coming months. Bente Birkeland reports.
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Posted by Delaney Utterback at 4:17 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Environment

The Lindauer earthship home.
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Posted by Delaney Utterback at 6:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Energy , Environment , Regional

Murray's Parents Speak
Ritter Visits Colorado Troops in Iraq
Salazar: No Renewable Mandate in Federal Energy Bill
Spud Pests in Colorado?
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:43 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Environment , Health , Military , Religion

Arrest in Soldier's Shooting Death
Workplace Deaths Rise Again
19 Illegal Immigrants Arrested on I-70
Frontier Cutting Staff
Dems Hire "Greening" Director for '08 Convention
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:06 PM| Permalink | Comments (1) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Crime , Elections , Environment , Immigration , Politics , Regional

KRCC's Michelle Mercer interviews Rico Mayor Joe Croke
One of the world's biggest copper mining companies says it will spend half-a-billon dollars to reopen the historic Climax molybdenum mine southwest of Denver. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. says it will hire from 150 to 500 workers between now and next spring. After the initial construction phase, the work force will level off at about 350 when production begins in 2010. The decision to re-open the mine comes as international demand has grown for molybdenum, which is used primarily for strengthening steel. There are at least two other potential molybdenum mines that could open in Colorado in the near future. One, near Crested Butte, faces lots of local opposition. The other could open near the little town of Rico, in the far southwestern corner of the state. KRCC's Michelle Mercer reports on how the town is reacting.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:51 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business/Labor , Colorado , Environment , Regional

The state announced it's latest round of GO_CO grants this week. This time nearly 60 million dollars is being awarded to counties, cities and trusts across Colorado. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:09 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Forest Plans , Regional

Environmental groups released a new report urging the state to adopt a clean cars program modeled after California's, but the Governor has said that may not happen. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:15 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Transportation

Colorado has launched a statewide investigation into conservation easements after complaints that crooked land appraisers are over-valuing agricultural land. Government officials say Colorado could be losing millions of dollars in tax revenues. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:30 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Legal , Regional

DIA Forecasts 2nd Busiest Travel Weekend Ever
Front Range Airport May Start Taking Passenger Jets
Beaver Creek Delays Opening For Lack of Snow
Feds: Denver Violating Ozone Limits
State Unemployment Rate Drops
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:22 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Denver , Environment , Religion , Transportation

A Uranium exploration company is reporting good prospects in Teller County, and a property owners association in Fremont County is fighting to keep uranium prospectors off of their land. Interest in Uranium mining is a direct result of a huge price increase for the radioactive mineral, which now trades for about $90 a pound, that's a fourfold increase in the last two years. And part of what makes uranium mining attractive in southern Colorado is the proximity of the Cotter Corporation's uranium processing mill in Canon City. It's one of only two in the country with valid uranium processing permits. At least three companies are currently prospecting for uranium in Fremont and Teller Counties.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:14 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Environment , Health , Legal , Regional

Federal officials say that in the next decade, about 12 thousand new natural gas wells will be drilled in the San Juan Basin of southwestern Colorado. A two-state task force is developing strategies to keep all the new energy development, plus a growing population, from making air quality in the area worse. The task force's final meeting is Wednesday. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:36 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Indoor/Outdoor Recreation , Regional

Colorado must reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by the year 2020 under the state's first ever plan to curb global warming. The Governor's plan also calls for cleaner cars and carbon offsets for farmers, but says Colorado will not set regional benchmarks with other western states. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Indoor/Outdoor Recreation , Regional

Severance Tax Reform
The amount of tax money Colorado has collected from the energy industry has grown by 600 percent in the last five years according to state figures. But some communities seeing the biggest impacts from energy development say they're not getting their fair share of that revenue stream. They say they need help with overcrowded schools and roads torn up by industry trucks. From Denver, Bente Birkeland reports on efforts to more fairly distribute the state severance tax.
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Ritter Submits Budget Request
Healthcare, higher education and human services top Governor Ritter's list of priorities for next year's budget. On Thursday Governor Ritter submitted his budget request to a bi-partisan committee of lawmakers. But a Republican leader says the request doesn't mean that much. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 12:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics , Regional

UPDATE: Feds Say: Protect Preble's Mouse in Colorado, But Not Wyoming
Read more about the decision HERE
Two Homicides in Pueblo This Week
Gas Leases Suspended for Environmental Concerns
Denver High School Clinics Ponder Offering Contraceptives
Report: Immigration Raids Traumatize Legal Residents
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Business , Colorado , Crime , Education , Environment , Health , Immigration , Pueblo , Regional , Utilities

State GOP Lawmakers Unveil Illegal Immigration Bills
Audit: Emergency Radio Network Remains Useless
State's Democratic Superdelegates Split
Springs Funeral Director Offered Plea Deal
Ritter: "New Energy Economy" Taking Root
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:00 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Environment , Immigration , Latino/a , Legal , Politics , Regional
On Friday, Oct. 26, the Air Force Reserve unit based at Peterson Field flew members of the local media to California to see their air and ground crews in action fighting fires.

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Posted by Eric Whitney at 10:33 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Colorado Springs , Environment , Media , Military , Regional , Slideshow , Wildfires

Photo by: Don Goede
Despite a couple of local grassfires this week, and small flare-up in Manitou in September, Colorado has been relatively wildfire-free this year. The 14,000 total acres that burned here is about four times fewer acres than burned in New Mexico, and far smaller than the 615,000 acres that torched in Utah. But one good year doesn't mean fire danger has gone away. On Friday, Oct. 19, a bi-partisan group of Congressional reps and Senators sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service urging full funding of hazardous fuels reduction projects in the Rocky Mountain Region. Colorado's delegation was joined by counterparts in Wyoming and South Dakota. Colorado College Student Jaimie Stevenson reports that locally, the Pike San Isabel National Forest is looking at a 12% cut in its fuels reduction budget from last year, and that fuels reduction projects probably didn't have much impact on the mild fire season this year.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:06 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Forest Plans , Politics , Regional , Wildfires

A new report from the state says it's too soon to tell if air pollution controls for the oil and gas industry are improving air quality. Last year Colorado created statewide emission standards for the industry for the first time. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:37 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Denver , Energy , Environment , History , Regional

Colorado Delegation Splits on SCHIP Vote
States Top Oil and Gas Regulator Resigns
Greeley's Reputation Hurts Recruiting at UNC
Springs Woman Convicted of Perjury in Arson Deaths
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Crime , Education , Environment , Health , Legal , Politics

Photo courtesy of Colorado Environmental Coalition
Industry Says Roan Platau Gas Worth $1 Billion
Ranchers: Army Hardly Uses Pinon Canyon
2nd Bear Attack in Aspen
Teacher at Christian High School Arrested on Sex Charges
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:06 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Animal Rights/Wellfare , Business , Children & Youth , Colorado , Crime , Education , Energy , Environment , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics , Regional

These are the types of solar panels that will be built at Fort Carson.
Photo courtesy Orea Renewable Energies
Construction has started on one of the largest solar power projects in the state, and it's at Ft. Carson. The $13 million project got underway at the beginning of the month and, when finished, will cover nearly 12 acres at Ft. Carson with photovoltaic solar panels. At maximum capacity it will generate 2 megawatts of electricity, that's a little less than seven percent of the Army base's total electricity needs.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:22 PM| Permalink | Comments (2) | Posted to Business , Colorado Springs , Energy , Environment , Ft. Carson , Science , Utilities

Opponents of a proposed uranium mine north of Ft. Collins rallied at the state capitol Sunday. Four state lawmakers at the rally said they'll introduce a new bill to tighten regulations for uranium mines. Three are Democrats, one is a Republican, and Republican Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave who represents the area has also expressed her opposition to the mine. In this story, KUNC's Kirk Siegler reports on efforts by doctors in the area to keep the mine from happening.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:23 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Health , Native American , Politics , Regional , Science
A state committee says Colorado should consider hiking taxes on oil and gas production. But some lawmakers say they're not ready to do that.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:44 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics

There's a new effort underway to monitor and improve management of federal wilderness areas.
Peter Landres, a Ph.D. ecologist with the federally-supported Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute in Missoula, Montana says we need to define wilderness "character" so land managers have a better idea what it is they're supposed to protect.
Landres speaks tonight at Colorado College, opening a discussion with the question, "Is There a Future for Wilderness?"
More information click here.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Environment , Regional , Science , Visiting CC

Affordable Housing Scarce in Colorado Springs, Pueblo
(For more details, click HERE)
Salazar Talks Expansion at Pinon Canyon, Buckley
Search Scaled Back for Calhan Man at Lake Powell
Pilot Killed in Air Ambulance Crash Was Experienced, Safe
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado Springs , Environment , Politics , Pueblo , Regional , Utilities

Photo courtesy of democracyfornewmexico.com
Sixteen counties in western Colorado are urging Governor Ritter to oppose a proposed coal fired power plant on the Navajo Indian Reservation. They want him to do so before the October 9th deadline for comments on the project's environmental impact statement. The counties say emissions from the plant would make air quality in the four corners region worse than it already is. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:53 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Energy , Environment , Health , Native American , Regional , Utilities

Image courtesy of Department of Energy, Office of Legacy Management
The state agency that regulates oil and gas drilling is considering allowing new wells near the site of an underground nuclear test detonated in 1969. The federal Department of Energy says it's safe, but others aren't so sure. KDNK's Steve Zelaznik went to a hearing on the proposal Tuesday and has this report.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:53 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Energy , Environment

EVENT 1: Meeting on Military Issues Affecting the Pikes Peak Region, 11:00 AM MST, Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, 2 North Cascade Avenue, Chamber Conference Room, Colorado Springs, CO
EVENT 2: Meeting on Water Storage Issues, 12:30 PM MST, at the Worner Campus Center, room 213, Colorado College, Colorado Springs (NW corner of Cache La Poudre and Cascade)
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:48 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Environment , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics , Regional , Visiting CC

A recent poll conducted by environmental groups says more than half of Coloradans want their government to do something to help stop global warming. Governor Bill Ritter has identified global warming as a top priority, and appointed the state's first ever climate advisor. And state officials are now creating a statewide climate change action plan. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:58 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Environment , Politics

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has been a champion of renewable energy since taking office. He recently put solar panels on the Governor's mansion and just got back from Washington DC where he asked congress to adopted national renewable energy standards for utilities. This week he's hosting the Western Governor's Association. The topic is getting more renewable energy on the electric grid across the region. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 9:39 AM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Capitol Coverage , Energy , Environment , Regional , Utilities
A proposed land swap in southwestern Colorado is generating controversy. Outside Durango, a company wants to expand a golf course and development onto neighboring land now owned by the Forest Service. In exchange, they're offering property that the government says could provide important habitat for rare native trout. Bente Birkeland reports.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Business , Capitol Coverage , Environment , Forest Plans , Indoor/Outdoor Recreation , Regional
Paccione Drops Out of 4th CD Race
Private Developer to Build Housing on Petersen, Schreiver
Murder-Suicide in Fremont County
Cotopaxi Man Missing
Arapahoe, Douglas Counties Plan $20 Billion for Water by 2020
Boulder to Hire Urban Wildlife Coordinator
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 4:55 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Animal Rights/Wellfare , Colorado , Colorado Springs , Crime , Environment , Military , Politics , Regional , Utilities

The Texas Billionaire who wants to build a village for 10,000 people on Wolf Creek Pass has been dealt a setback by the courts. On Thursday the Colorado Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that threw out initial approval of the village by Mineral County, KSUTs Victor Locke reports.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:47 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado , Environment , Legal , Regional

Colorado largely escaped the catastrophic wildfire season that hit so many other western states this summer. And now with fall approaching, the U.S. Forest Service is starting to set some fires in our area to help reduce future fire danger.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:23 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Forest Plans , Wildfires

Senate OKs Pueblo Depot Cleanup Money
Anti-Abortion Minister Vows to Protest Dem Convention in Denver
CSU Gets TB Research Money
TB Patient Goes Back to Arizona
Gov. Ritter to Testify on Global Warming in DC
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Denver , Environment , Health , Military , Politics , Pueblo , Religion , Science

On Saturday over 500 volunteers will scour riverbanks in Colorado in a statewide cleanup effort. It's being coordinated by Colorado Trout Unlimited, or CTU. Colorado College student Kate Dawson has more.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 7:30 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Colorado , Environment , Regional

A Democratic Congresswoman from Denver wants to designate more than a million and half acres of federal land in Colorado as wilderness. That would mean no energy development on the Roan Plateau. It's virtually the same legislation she's brought before congress since 1999. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:18 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Capitol Coverage , Colorado , Energy , Environment , Politics

A couple of veteran Colorado political analysts agree last week represented a major victory for the ranchers opposing expansion at the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. We talked to Bob Loevy, a political science professor at Colorado College and Cara DeGette, columnist for the Colorado Springs Independent and ColoradoConfidential.com.
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 6:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (2) | Posted to Agriculture/Ranching , Business , Environment , Ft. Carson , Military , Politics
Local Soldier Arrested As Internet Predator
Hsu Arrested in Grand Junction
Exxon Mobil Expanding Colorado Natural Gas Production
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Posted by Eric Whitney at 5:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0) | Posted to Business , Colorado Springs , Crime , Energy , Environment , Ft. Carson , Military , Regional