![The Suncor oil refinery in Commerce City with several large pipes and other heavy machinery pictured.](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/08/20220817-ENERGY-OIL-SUNCOR-REFINERY-HV-0002.jpg)
An upcoming lawsuit calls for an air pollution crackdown at Suncor Energy’s Commerce City refinery
The upcoming suit from environmental groups alleges state and federal regulators have failed to protect residents living near the facility.
![](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
![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-0003.jpg)
One worker killed, four others hospitalized after toxic gas exposure at a sugar plant in Fort Morgan
The local sheriff’s office said the hydrogen sulfide exposure occurred at a wastewater treatment area near Western Sugar Cooperative’s sugar plant.
![](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/2024/05/PXL_20240515_200800268-EDIT.jpg)
How a Boulder resident bought a used EV for less than $700
To meet its climate goals, Colorado is offering steep discounts to ensure that rich people aren’t the only ones buying electric vehicles.
![](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/2021/11/181130-ALTOGETHER-ALPINE-RECYCLING-CENTER-TRASH-GARBAGE-KEVINJBEATY-45.jpg)
Why Gov. Polis vetoed legislation to end state incentives for ‘advanced recycling’
Environmental advocates say the techniques are a false promise with serious pollution risks, but the governor warned the plan could stymie innovation.
![](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/2024/05/PXL_20240515_220813245.jpg)
How Colorado’s space weather forecasters predicted the recent solar storm
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder monitors the sun to protect the technology behind modern society.
![](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
![plastic-bags](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/07/352795189_773184086.jpg)
Why Colorado is considering ending state incentives for “advanced recycling”
A proposal passed in the final days of the legislative session would block any state support for chemical recycling plants, but it’s not clear whether Gov. Polis will sign the measure.
![](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
![Cars driving under a highway sign warning motorists about high winds.](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/05/20240506-high-wind001.jpg)
The weather pattern behind Colorado’s high winds is also bringing the ozone layer to ground level
The state recommends vulnerable people or those with health conditions do fewer outdoor activities until later in the afternoon.
![](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-drilling-weld-county-231023](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/10/231023-oil-drilling-weld-county-file-hwv-0005.jpg)
The deal behind Colorado’s oil and gas deal: No new drilling policies until 2028
If lawmakers approve the current legislation, the fossil fuel industry and mainstream environmental groups have informally agreed not to push any ballot measures or legislation targeting drilling for more than three years.
![](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 Longs Peak](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-33.jpg)
Gov. Polis announces major oil and gas truce in exchange for transit funding
The agreement centers on a new fee on drilling projects that would fund a large state investment in public transportation.
![](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)
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/10/231020-LIZ-BABCOCK-MILE-HIGH-YOUTH-CORPS-SUN-VALLEY-DENVER-SUSTAINABILITY-SOLAR-ENERGY-POWER-KEVINJBEATY-01-8.jpg)
Lawmakers scale back legislation to limit local control over renewable energy projects
A group representing counties still opposes the legislation and worries it lays the groundwork for a state takeover of the process to consider new wind, solar and transmission projects.
![](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
![ap_170827858889251](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/07/538314880_940644721-e1713997863577.jpg)
An oil industry-backed measure just qualified for the November ballot. It could be the first of many
The proposed transparency initiative would require an economic impact statement printed above all future ballot initiatives.
![](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
![EV-CHARGEPOINT-BRECKENRIDGE](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/03/240305-EV-CHARGEPOINT-BRECKENRIDGE.jpg)
Colorado’s EV discounts just got even better for Xcel Energy customers
A recent decision allows Colorado residents who meet specific income requirements to combine a $5,500 income-qualified discount with the Colorado EV tax credit.
![](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/2022/01/20220126-gas-stove002-scaled.jpg)
Colorado’s oil and gas industry drops ballot measure to defend gas stoves and furnaces — for now
The decision is the latest development in Colorado’s oil and gas wars, which could balloon into a confusing November ballot.
![](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)
The new oil and gas war
Battles over air quality and the future of drilling are threatening to spill out of the state capitol and onto your ballot.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/2018.cpr-staff-Bente-Birkeland-square-for-web-creditCPR.jpg)
![Endangered Wolves Population](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/04/AP24065753234378.jpg)
Colorado’s reintroduced wolves have killed four more cattle in Grand County
This marks the largest cluster of livestock losses since Colorado reintroduced the species in the area last December.
![](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
![RURAL-EV-CHARGE-STATION](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/04/240412-ev-charge-station-redstone-file-hwv-0001.jpg)
Colorado has ambitious EV goals. We put its charging network to a road trip test
The state has installed plugs at a furious pace since the pandemic, but has it actually made it any easier to travel around in an electric vehicle?
![](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