Rural Colorado

Rural towns squeezed by state’s bureaucratic delays and shifting wastewater mandates

Water Education Colorado, Approved, State / / , , , , , ,

Dozens of small towns in Colorado have banded together to protest new wastewater treatment permits that are designed to protect state rivers and streams, saying they  contain new rules that are too costly to implement and they haven’t had time to make the necessary changes to comply.

The controversy comes as climate change and drought reduce stream flows and cause water temperatures to rise, and as population growth increases the amount of wastewater being discharged to Colorado’s rivers.

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Linnebur: Rural Colorado’s energy boom isn’t luck—it’s leadership

The Daily Sentinel, Approved, State / / , ,

Rural Colorado is experiencing a surge in economic growth thanks to smart federal policy and local energy leadership. Federal energy tax credits, combined with Colorado’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, are revitalizing rural communities by creating diverse, durable jobs and attracting new investment. By supporting both traditional and renewable energy sources, Colorado is proving that a balanced approach delivers real results where they’re needed most.

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Lawmakers pitch new insurance fee for wildlife and bike lanes, rural Coloradans cry foul

The Post Independent, Approved, State / / , , ,

Colorado lawmakers are looking to add a fee to car insurance policies that would raise funds for road infrastructure aimed at reducing vehicle collisions with wildlife, pedestrians and cyclists. 

The idea is being floated as part of a bill co-sponsored by Reps. Andrew Boesenecker, a Larimer County Democrat, and Meghan Lukens, a Steamboat Springs Democrat, and Sens. Faith Winter, a Front Range Democrat, and Dylan Roberts, a Frisco Democrat. 

“This bill creates a sustainable solution to a serious public safety problem,” Lukens said. “This bill will save lives, prevent injuries, reduce insurance costs, and protect the wildlife that defines our state. It’s a responsible investment that pays for itself many times over.” 

The “Motor Vehicle Collision Prevention” bill cleared its first hurdle, passing through the House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee on Tuesday, April 1 before heading to the finance committee.

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Rural Colorado school districts that once served students online could see brunt of major state budget cuts

Approved, State, The Colorado Sun / / , , , ,

As Colorado lawmakers try to solve a state budget crisis, Gov. Jared Polis’ office is advocating for a new set of changes to student averaging that would significantly impact a handful of rural school districts and charter schools that found a lifeline for their budgets by enrolling online homeschool students.

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