As national lawmakers struggle with the economic climate, and official recognition of a recession has finally made headlines, Trinidad, and by extension, Las Animas County, finds itself in a unique situation. As part of a statewide economic series from Rocky Mountain Community Radio, KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin paid a visit to the area recently to find out how the southeastern Colorado area is weathering the storm.
Regulatory officials formally adopted Colorado’s new oil and gas rules on Thursday. The rules require the state consider public health and environmental concerns before issuing oil and gas drilling permits. Bente Birkeland Birkeland reports from Denver.
The federal government recently finalized rules allowing commercial oil shale development in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming … but energy companies are still running tests to determine whether such development is feasible. KRCC’s Eryn Gable recently visited northwest Colorado and has more on the uncertainty and technological hurdles facing this alternative source of energy.
Governor Bill Ritter is putting his weight behind a ballot measure that would raise severance taxes on the oil and gas industry and use the money for higher education, wildlife and clean energy projects. It’s a costly campaign and oil and gas companies are spending millions of dollars trying to defeat the measure by attacking the Governor and his plan. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Republican presidential nominee John McCain and the Colorado River Compact…Coloradans for Equal Opportunity disputes a ruling keeping their ballot initiative from the general election…and, Congress passes the Wall Street Bail-Out bill.
When the fiscal year ends tonight, the ban on offshore oil drilling will be lifted, and another domestic energy source can also move forward, oil shale. Steve Zelaznik of RMCR member station KDNK explains.
As the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission considers controversial new rules to regulate the energy industry, landowners in the heart of the state’s energy boom are still struggling to cope with environmental and health effects associated with the development. KRCC’s Eryn Gable recently visited Garfield County and has more on the disconnect between how industry and residents view the state of things in Colorado’s gas patch.
The Colorado Supreme Court hears arguments on regulating mining laws in the state…Colorado’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission meets again….and a crowded ballot in Colorado when it comes to voting for the President.
Thousands of GOP faithful flocked to the Colorado Jet Center in Colorado Springs Saturday for appearances by Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin. Colorado is shaping up to be a battle-ground state in the election, and the stop comes just days after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention. The candidates are scheduled to travel to Albuquerque Saturday, and Missouri on Monday. KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin reports.
Renewable energy was on the minds of Democratic house leaders in Denver yesterday during a mid-day press conference. The only problem for those touting the benefits of wind and solar power - was a group of determined John McCain supporters protesting the Democrats energy agenda. From Denver, KUNC’s Kirk Siegler has more.
The Army opens a public comment period on a report detailing plans for expanding the Pinon Canyon training site, and a report from KUNC on the BLM’s Roan Plateau lease auction. Plus, more plans for the Democratic National Convention.
Ralph CarrThe Roan Plateau heads to auction, and honoring former Colorado Governor Ralph Carr for supporting Japanese Americans during World War II. Plus, a Denver Western-wear mogul dies, and Rage Against the Machine comes to the DNC.
Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens says he has a plan to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. Pickens is traveling the country to promote that plan, and recently stopped in Lamar, Colorado. KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin was there and has this report.
Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens paid a visit to Southeast Colorado today, to tout what he calls the “Pickens Plan.” KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin reports from Lamar.
Monday was the deadline for turning in signatures to get initiatives on the November election ballot. Bente Birkland reports from Denver on one measure that could be on the ballot that aims to generate millions of additional dollars from the oil and gas industry. Plus, two town hall meetings in southeast Colorado bring an Assistant Secretary of the Army and a Texas oil tycoon. The Pike’s Peak Area Council of Governments gets a grant to help plan for an influx of soldiers at Ft. Carson, and more.