Author: Scott Weiser
-
PUC schedules virtual hearing on proposed rules for public safety power shutoffs
—
by
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission will hold a virtual public comment hearing to gather input on proposed new rules for Public Safety Power Shutoff events, a wildfire prevention measure that temporarily cuts power to reduce ignition risks from utility equipment during extreme conditions. The hearing for Proceeding No. 26M-0037E runs from 4 to 6 p.m.…
-
Colorado-based Energy Fuels acquiring Australian rare-earth producer for $299M
—
by
Energy Fuels on Tuesday announced it is acquiring an Australian company that produces rare earth elements and alloys in a deal worth $299 million. The Lakewood-based company, which describes itself as a leading U.S. producer of uranium, rare earth elements and other critical materials, said its acquisition of Australian Strategic Materials would make it the…
-
PUC to hold public meeting on El Paso County rejection of Power Pathway permits
—
by
Colorado regulators plan a public hearing next week on Xcel Energy’s appeal to override El Paso County’s rejection of permits for a major transmission line segment. The hearing renews debate over a statewide renewable energy project that rural residents argue threatens property rights, wildfire safety and local landscapes without delivering benefits to their communities. The…
-
Colorado air regulators propose higher fees for pollution permits and reports
—
by
Colorado’s air quality agency plans to raise charges for air pollution permits and emissions reports for businesses that release even modest amounts of contaminants, potentially increasing fees by 65-70% over two years to generate $13.5-$14 million, according to state budget documents. The Air Pollution Control Division has proposed updates to two existing regulations. The changes…
-
PUC holds firm on ambitious 41% greenhouse gas cut for natural gas utilities
—
by
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission refused to ease a greenhouse gas reduction target for natural gas utilities, voting 2-1 to preserve a 41% cut in use by 2035 despite utility requests for a lower number and environmental groups pushing for more aggressive action. Commissioners Tom Plant and Megan Gilman defended the benchmark, adopted by the…
-
Hiker dies in suspected mountain lion attack in Colorado
—
by
Colorado wildlife officials euthanized two mountain lions on New Year’s Day after they suspected the predators killed a woman in Larimer County. Colorado Parks and Wildlife said it is investigating after hikers reported seeing a mountain lion near a person who was lying on the ground around 12:15 p.m. on Thursday on the Crosier Mountain…
-
Feds order coal-fired Craig power plant to remain open
—
by
The Trump administration’s energy agency has ordered one of three generating units at a Colorado power plant to remain available for operation amid an impending shutdown of the station and its supplying coal mines. The move is one of the latest attempts by the White House to revive coal production in the U.S. following President…
-
Colorado eyes shift in particulate oversight amid EV push
—
by
Colorado’s Air Pollution Control Division proposed shifting oversight of solid particulates as small as one-seventh the width of a human hair from federal to state-only authority on Dec. 19, citing more than 20 years of compliance with national standards. The proposal seeks to repeal EPA-approved particulate controls in seven areas once out of compliance with…
-
Colorado PUC slates January hearings on natural gas plan, transmission line appeal, railroad rules
—
by
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission announced January public comment opportunities on railroad safety rules, natural gas infrastructure, and a major transmission line siting appeal. The hearings form part of expanded outreach efforts the commission launched to increase public participation in regulatory proceedings. NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE Xcel Energy seeks approval for two projects in its proposed…
-
Xcel customers face steep hurdles in suing over spoiled goods from power shutoffs
—
by
Xcel Energy customers who lost refrigerated or frozen goods during the utility’s public safety power shutoffs face steep hurdles in recovering damages through lawsuits. Colorado law and utility rules issued by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission limit liability for service interruptions, even when outages result from proactive de-energization to prevent wildfires. Jack Luellen, senior counsel…
