Policy
Higher Drilling Fines a Step Closer
The House Finance Committee voted 7-5 to increase the drilling fines from a maximum $1,000 a day to a maximum $15,000 a day. The Democratic sponsor of the fine hike says Colorado’s 1955 fine schedule leaves the state far behind fellow energy-producing states.
28Mar2013 | admin | 1 comment | Continued
Oil CEO Blasts Obama’s Energy Security Trust
President Barack Obama’s latest proposal to use oil royalties to pay for research into alternative energy touched a nerve with Chris Faulkner, CEO of Dallas-based Breitling Oil & Gas. He sees this as government intervention, picking winners and losers, rather than letting the free market take its course.
26Mar2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
Obama Urges Creation of Energy Security Trust
He said the only way to “break this cycle of spiking gas prices for good” is to find alternative sources of energy for vehicles. “We went through another spike in gas prices, just like last year, and the year before that. It happens every year. It’s a serious blow to your budget—like getting hit with a new tax coming right out of your pocket.”
18Mar2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Address Pollution From Fracking Operations
Sponsors say the BREATHE Act would close a loophole in the Clean Air Act that currently allows the oil and gas industry to release large amounts of dangerous pollution into the air, and lists hydrogen sulfide as a hazardous air pollutant.
15Mar2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
Hickenlooper Says State Willing to Compromise
on Fracking Ban
On Wednesday, Hickenlooper spoke to The Coloradoan and said that the state would be willing to compromise with cities looking to ban fracking, rather than sue them, if the cities can compensate mineral rights owners.
8Mar2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
Fracking Ban Approved by Fort Collins
City Council
Ignoring warnings from the governor and other state officials, the Fort Collins City Council on Tuesday night banned fracking within city limits; a move nearly certain to bring legal action from the state, as well as the Colorado Oil and Gas Association.
6Mar2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
Debunking Rhodium: Natural Gas, Not Renewables, Drives Historic Emissions Declines
It has been rapidly replacing coal power in recent years, driving down U.S. emissions faster than in any country in the world. But to some renewable energy advocates who have long prophesied that solar and wind are on the cusp of replacing coal, such a reality can’t possibly be happening.
4Mar2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
Metro Denver EDC Celebrates a Decade of ‘Game-Changing’ Economic Development
“From cleantech to aerospace, from DIA to DNC, proactive public relations has been successful for the Metro Denver EDC in reaching its target audiences of C-level execs, site selection consultants, and venture capitalists,” said Charles Ward, a former Co-Chair of the organization.
1Mar2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
The COLORADO View From Washington:
Udall, Tipton and Gardner on the Future of American Energy Policy
Our interview with Sen. Mark Udall, and Representatives Gardner and Tipton reveals consensus and divide on the road ahead for energy policy, and its impact on jobs, the economy, life in Colorado and the nation.
25Feb2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
Colorado Lawmakers Want to Improve Leasing Process for Renewables on Public Lands
Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall have joined Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Dean Heller (R-NV) in introducing a bipartisan bill to streamline the permit process for renewable energy projects on public lands and reinvest in local communities.
20Feb2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
Overdue Energy Efficiency Standards Costing
U.S. $$ Billions
Despite his rhetoric about climate change, President Obama’s Administration continues to delay implementation of energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment that are among the most successful ways to quickly cut energy consumption and contribute to economic growth.
18Feb2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
New Grid Strategy in West Welcome News Says Wind Industry
The California power grid operator and PacifiCorp creation of “Energy Imbalance Market” in the Western U.S. will use computer technology to exchange electricity at five-minute intervals, instead of by telephone every hour as was formerly the case.
12Feb2013 | admin | 0 comments | Continued
COGCC Labels New Rule “Trendsetting”
for Drilling Impacts
Colorado regulators say the comprehensive new rules combine stringent protective measures, expanded notice and outreach to local communities and heightened distances between drilling and dwellings to further distinguish Colorado as a pacesetter nationally for
model regulation of oil and gas development.
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Assessing Oil and Gas Influence on State Politics – Two Views
A left-leaning watchdog group released a report late last week that contends the oil and gas industry exerts an outsized influence on Colorado politics, and generous political spending might be the reason. Colorado Ethics Watch does not accuse the oil and gas industry of wrongdoing, but does suggest it benefits from spending so freely to influence politicians.
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Clean Energy Collective is now based in Boulder Colorado. 
Though a small step and almost over 16 years into the die-off of our forests, this effort should be applauded ...
The best ballot initiative is one that will ban initiatives. Otherwise what is the point of electing legislators. 
Thanks for the info Fred! 
Tri-State Board Policy 117 limits member co-op generation to 5%.
LPEA has asked them to lift that for community solar gardens.
https://www.lpea.coop/pdf/board_meeting/resolutions/2012/201213_tristate_policy_117.pdf 
To see this exciting change as "scary" seems incredibly short-sited to me. Between the increasing power demands caused by ...