![Netherlands Heat Pump](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/08/AP23160298002164-scaled.jpg)
Xcel Energy’s latest climate plan sparks a heated fight over heat pumps
Environmentalists think all-electric heat pumps are the future of staying warm in Colorado. The state’s largest utility sees a more limited role.
![](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
![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)
EPA rejects parts of Colorado’s air quality permit for Suncor Energy refinery
The decision directs state air regulators to find improvements at Colorado’s only oil and gas refinery.
![](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
![220103-MARSHALL-FIRE-SUPERIOR](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/01/220103-MARSHALL-FIRE-SUPERIOR-HV-0012.jpg)
Xcel Energy tells shareholders Marshall fire lawsuits could seriously hurt its finances
The CEO of Colorado’s largest utility continues to dispute its powerlines ignited the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history.
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2020/10/201021-STAFF-WERTZ-0002-e1610640275782.jpg)
![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/03/210306-SUNCOR-COMMERCE-CITY-ENVIRONMENTAL-JUSTICE-CULTIVANDO-ECOMADRES-ACTIVISM-KEVINJBEATY-24b.jpg)
After declining an EPA grant, a Latino-led community group ends air monitoring project near Suncor Energy
Cultivando, a Commerce City nonprofit, says it wants to fight pollution, not just watch for it.
![](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
![Closed Valmont Power Station](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/06/boulder-valmont-xcel-4-20230615.jpg)
Xcel Energy electrical workers could strike without a new employment deal
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 111 is negotiating for better pay and a plan to help employees at coal-fired power plants set to close by 2031.
![](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 wants to mix hydrogen into the natural gas system. It’s starting with this neighborhood.
The company plans to test the controversial climate strategy in Box Elder Creek Ranch, a subdivision near Hudson, Colo.
![](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
![Grassy yards in Northeast Park Hill. Aug. 30, 2022.](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/07/220830-NORTHEAST-PARK-HILL-FRONT-YARDS-LAWNS-GRASS-XERISCAPE-KEVINJBEATY-01.jpg)
It could be illegal to sell gas lawn equipment in metro Denver starting in 2025
To reduce ozone pollution in the region, air regulators have proposed rules to accelerate the shift to electric leaf blowers and lawnmowers.
![](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
![220207-EV-ELECTRIC-VEHICLE-CHARGING-STATION-FAIRPLAY](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/02/220207-EV-ELECTRIC-VEHICLE-CHARGING-STATION-FAIRPLAY-HV-0002.jpg)
Colorado’s electric vehicle tax credit is now worth $5,000
More incentives are coming down the road.
![](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/2023/06/230610-EBIKES-BICYCLES-EREVOLUTION-TRADE-AND-CONSUMER-SHOW-COLORADO-CONVENTION-CENTER-DOWNTOWN-KEVINJBEATY-21.jpg)
How Rad Power Bikes won the biggest share of Denver’s e-bike rebates — at the frustration of some local shops
The Seattle-based e-bike maker has collected almost half the city’s popular discounts.
![](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/2021/09/210908-BOULDER-AIR-POLLUTION-QUALITY-HAZE-COWX-WILDFIRE-SMOKE-KEVINJBEATY-02.jpg)
Wildfire smoke drove Front Range ozone pollution during hazy 2021 summer, study finds
The results have already led oil and gas groups to push for weaker pollution rules.
![](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/2023/06/0-e1686772322247.jpg)
Colorado is going wolf shopping. First stop: Washington
Until now, it wasn’t clear where it would get the controversial predators.
![](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 Oil Refinery](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2020/06/200602-SUNCOR-REFINERY-0002.jpg)
Suncor has more pollution problems than similar U.S. refineries, new EPA report finds
It confirms the suspicions of many frustrated Commerce City neighbors and climate advocates.
![](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
![22020730-BOULDER-B-CYCLE](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/08/22020730-BOULDER-E-BIKE-ELECTRIC-BCYCLE.jpg)
Colorado charges ahead with e-bike rebates for low- and moderate-income residents
After Denver proved the popularity of e-bike rebates, Colorado is now the idea out for a spin.
![](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/2022/03/220316-THE-STELLA-LARADON-GLOBEVILLE-AFFORDABLE-HOUSING-KEVINJBEATY-08.jpg)
Colorado adopts a new climate-minded statewide building code
The new construction standards are meant to ensure homes and buildings are built for efficiency, electric cars and solar panels.
![](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
![Valverde under snow on Dec. 29, 2022.](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/12/221229-VALVERDE-DRONE-SNOW-WEATHER-COWX-COLD-WINTER-KEVINJBEATY-05.jpg)
A winter of brutal energy bills has left Xcel Energy customers deep in debt
Lawmakers passed legislation to address high energy costs, but it’s unlikely to offer much short-term help.
![](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/2023/05/PXL_20230522_163656781.MP_-scaled-e1684796253584.jpg)
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory gets $150 million for expansions in Arvada and Golden
The federal funding comes from landmark climate legislation signed by President Joe Biden last year.
![](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