Energy efficiency

The Cooper family has worked in the coal industry in Colorado for generations. That's ending as one of three coal mines in their area closes in a statewide shift to cleaner energy. Many countries and about half of U.S. states are moving away from coal, citing the environmental impact and high costs of producing electricity that way as plants age.

Denver airport expects today's electrical demand of 45 megawatts to expand to 300 to 400 megawatts in the next two decades.

Back in the late 1970s, President Jimmy Carter’s administration backed the design and construction of some unusual homes along the Front Range. They were solar-powered and energy efficient – very cutting edge for the time. One of those homes is still used today as a model for green construction.

Tri-State Generation is reviewing executive orders, but says its plan to close all three coal-fired units at Craig Station is based on economics. Listen to "Morning Edition" host Michael Lyle, Jr. discuss this story with Colorado Sun reporter Mark Jaffe and then read the Colorado Sun story at the link below.

Back in the late 1970s, President Jimmy Carter’s administration backed the design and construction of some unusual homes along the Front Range. They were solar powered and energy efficient – very cutting-edge for the time. Today, one of those homes is still used as a model for green construction. We’ll get a peek inside that home today on In The NoCo.

The commission recently released a new draft of rules, which omitted proposed protections for disadvantaged communities facing oil and gas drilling. According to Colorado Sun reporter Michael Booth, state regulators removed a requirement that oil and gas companies get approval from residents if they want to drill within 2,000 feet of homes.

The program helps residents pay a portion of their winter home heating bills by making a one-time payment directly to the utility company on their behalf.

Cultivating marijuana can use up a lot of energy, especially when grown indoors. But a new state program wants to help marijuana growers become more energy-efficient.

The Colorado School of Mines has launched a new energy awareness and savings program. PowerED will retrofit facilities to be more efficient and teach…