Welcome to Briefly, Colorado Politics’ daily news briefing. Here’s what’s happening today:

Rep. Junie Joseph selected for Future Caucus fellowship

Colorado state Rep. Junie Joseph, D- Boulder, has been selected as a member of the Future Caucus Innovation Fellows’ 2025-2026 cohort. The two-year fellowship program brings together 65 Gen Z and Millennial officials from 34 states who are “committed to bridging political divides and tackling the most pressing issues in their communities.”

Future Caucus participants select from four policy tracks to focus on: civic innovation, energy and environment, prenatal-to-three, and criminal justice. Joseph has chosen to focus on the energy and environment track. 

The nonpartisan fellowship will include access to briefings with policy experts, a library of evidence-based research, and networking opportunities with other lawmakers focusing on similar issues. 

Joseph, an attorney, was elected to the House in 2022 and had previously served on the Boulder City Council. 

Energy company expanding to Broomfield 

Peak Energy, the first American venture to expand sodium-ion battery systems, will be expanding to Broomfield, Gov. Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced today. 

Sodium-ion batteries are rechargeable, cheaper to produce, and better for the environment than traditional lithium-ion batteries. 

“We are thrilled to see Peak Energy expand in Colorado, creating good-paying jobs and joining us on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2040,” said Polis. “Colorado is advancing the clean energy economy, and together with companies like Peak Energy, we can harness the power of the sun for a brighter future.”

At its Broomfield office, Denver-based Peak Energy will establish a cell engineering center focused on developing sodium-ion battery cells for use in its storage systems. 

“A reliable and secure national energy grid requires safe and affordable energy storage manufactured at scale domestically,” said Landon Mossburg, CEO and co-founder of Peak Energy. “Colorado is a leader in the energy economy, and we are excited to join a growing ecosystem of state and regional partners, businesses, research institutions and universities committed to advancing the transition to renewable energy and creating a U.S.-based supply chain.”

Rep. Joe Neguse’s disaster assistance bill passes House

The US House has passed the bipartisan Disaster Management Costs  Modernization Act, sponsored by Colorado Democratic Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse. 

The bill allows communities to apply disaster management funds awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from one disaster to other open disasters. 

“As we continue to face increasing numbers of natural disasters across our country—wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and more—it’s critically important that we work to equip our communities with the resources that they need,” Neguse told members of the House. “My home state of Colorado has seen firsthand the devastating impacts of these disasters, Mr. Speaker, as we’ve unfortunately experienced record-breaking and deadly wildfires, drought, and flood conditions–all over just the last few years. This bill would strengthen our efforts to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of future disasters across our country.”

House GOP announces committee assignments 

House Republican leadership has announced committee assignments for the 2025 legislative session.

“The House Republican caucus is proud to bring common-sense leadership and thoughtful solutions to the issues Coloradans care about most,” said Minority Leader Rose Pugliese. “These assignments truly reflect the caucus’ commitment to increasing affordability, keeping Colorado families safe, and protecting taxpayers while providing strong leadership and expertise across all legislative areas.”

“Our committee members bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles,” added Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter. “We are eager to engage in the legislative process and fight for the interests of our constituents with integrity and determination.”

The committee assignments are as follows:

Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources 

• Rep. Ty Winter, Trinidad
  
• Rep. Matt Soper, Delta (new committee member)
• Representative-elect Dusty Johnson, Fort Morgan
• Representative-elect Larry Don Suckla, Cortez

 Appropriations

• Rep. Rick Taggart, Grand Junction
• Rep. Scott Bottoms, Colorado Springs 
• Rep. Stephanie Luck, Penrose 
• Representative-elect Lori Garcia Sander, Eaton

Business Affairs & Labor

• Rep. Ryan Armagost, Berthoud
• Representative-elect Max Brooks, Castle Rock
• Representative-elect Rebecca Keltie, Colorado Springs
• Representative-elect Larry Don Suckla, Cortez
• Representative-elect Chris Richardson, Elizabeth

Education

• Rep. Mary Bradfield, Colorado Springs
• Rep. Anthony Hartsook, Parker
• Representative-elect Jarvis Caldwell, Colorado Springs
• Representative-elect Lori Garcia Sander, Eaton
• Representative-elect Dusty Johnson, Fort Morgan 

Energy & Environment

• Rep. Ken DeGraaf, Colorado Springs
• Representative-elect Dan Woog, Frederick
• Representative-elect Ryan Gonzalez, Greeley
• Representative-elect Carlos Barron, Fort Lupton

Finance

• Rep. Anthony Hartsook, Parker (new committee member)
• Rep. Ron Weinberg, Loveland
• Rep. Ken DeGraaf, Colorado Springs (new committee member)
• Representative-elect Max Brooks, Castle Rock
• Representative-elect Ryan Gonzalez, Greeley

Health & Human Services

• Rep. Brandi Bradley, Littleton
• Rep. Mary Bradfield, Colorado Springs
• Representative-elect Dusty Johnson, Fort Morgan 
• Representative-elect Lori Garcia Sander, Eaton

Judiciary

• Rep. Matt Soper, Delta
• Rep. Ryan Armagost, Berthoud
• Representative-elect Jarvis Caldwell, Colorado Springs
• Representative-elect Rebecca Keltie, Colorado Springs

House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs 

• Rep. Stephanie Luck Penrose (new committee member)
• Rep. Scott Bottoms, Colorado Springs
• Rep. Brandi Bradley, Littleton

House Transportation, Housing & Local Government 

• Representative-elect Chris Richardson, Elizabeth
• Representative-elect Dan Woog, Frederick
• Representative-elect Larry Don Suckla, Cortez
• Representative-elect Carlos Barron, Fort Lupton