In response to President Donald Trump’s Unleashing American Energy executive order, multiple governmental agencies have introduced new rules for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Eight federal agencies have introduced policies like faster deadlines, page limits and removal of public input in order to expedite domestic energy production. The White House lauds these new […]
energy
Posted inBusiness
Spreading light: Sunsense Solar celebrates 35 years
Last month, Carbondale-based energy company Sunsense Solar marked its 35th anniversary. The milestone is an impressive one amid a new era of changes for the organization. Founder Scott Ely shared reflections on the company and its evolution with The Sopris Sun. This interview was edited for length and clarity. What appealed to you about solar […]
Posted inOpinion
CVEPA Views: A smell conspicuous in its absence
This latest cold snap was reminiscent of years gone-by. This is cold that pinches your nose and robs your breath as the snow crunches beneath your feet. It was common fare in Carbondale. With the cold came an odor so ubiquitous, if not pervasive, that it was part of our everyday life. The pungent smell […]
Posted inEnvironment
Salt under Carbondale is no reason to sweat
We have an intimate relationship with geology in the Roaring Fork Valley. A glance at contemporary place names is telling: Basalt, Redstone, Marble, even Glenwood Springs. This closeness to the physical foundations of the region has played a role in energy production and economy, from silver mines to stone quarries and midvalley charcoal and ore […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
Holy Cross rate restructuring sparks controversy
On March 1, Holy Cross Energy (HCE) informed its customers that the Glenwood Springs-based cooperative’s electricity-rate structure was being significantly modified. The first round of the new rates, which are to be rolled out over a period of three years, are set to take effect starting Sept. 1. In addition to an overall increase in […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
Collaboration advances green building locally
Spearheaded by the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, the Roaring Fork Valley is sprinting in the race to zero emissions with the help of international, federal, state, local and individual participation. Global emissions need to be cut in half by 2030 and be at net zero by 2050 […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
Texas storm impacts local utilities costs
In February, a once-a-decade weather event occurred in Texas, bringing unusually cold temperatures and snowfall. During this storm, demand for natural gas skyrocketed for both heat and electricity, at the same time as availability plummeted due to frozen gas supply lines and reduced pumping capacity from blackouts. This mismatch in supply and demand in Texas […]
Posted inLetters, Uncategorized
Letters – April 22, 2021
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. Re: Michael Francisco Michael Francisco’s hearing was pushed back once again. […]