Colorado Archives - San Juan Citizens Alliance

Mar 11 2022

Quick Tips: Going Green and How to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

By sjca Guest Article

Living a green life is the ultimate goal, right? You're doing better by the environment, making sustainable choices, and even potentially bringing down your expenses. What’s more, by living a greener life, you’re doing your part to help address climate…

Mar 10 2022

Poor environmental review derails oil and gas leases

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Oil & Gas, Wildlife

Last week, a federal court ruled that the Bureau of Land Management failed to follow the law in selling oil and gas leases across Southwest Colorado in two recent auctions. The ruling applies to 14 parcels involving about 10,000 acres…

Jan 27 2022

Take Action: Support Colorado’s Bighorn Sheep

By Gary Skiba Take Action, Wildlife

Bighorns need our help! Disease from domestic sheep is threatening bighorns in Colorado. We need CPW to help close high risk domestic allotments.

Jan 20 2022

Region’s future electricity supply in play

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition

Electricity customers across Southwest Colorado have the opportunity this month to provide feedback about the future of our electricity supply. The Colorado Public Utility Commission is reviewing plans for long-term electric generation resources put forth by Tri-State Generation and Transmission,…

Jan 20 2022

Restoring Bighorns & Wolves

By Gary Skiba Climate Change, Newsletter, Rivers

Imagine Colorado 150 years ago, when hearing a faraway wolf howl or seeing a bighorn was not rare. While many things have changed in those 150 years, our Wildlife Program aims to restore this wildlife and ensure that it happens…

Dec 28 2021

Conservation Gains Across Four Corners Mark the New Year

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection

After a whirlwind year, it’s time to take stock of some conservation gains over the past 12 months. We often ride a teeter-totter of conservation policy, down one year, up the next, but overall many a cherished landscape across the…

Nov 11 2021

Prioritizing Public Lands

By sjca Forest Health, Lands Protection, Newsletter

Our work protecting the lands and forests across the San Juan Basin is ever-changing. Here is a quick summary of what we’re working on right now: Bootjack Ranch/Valle Seco Land Exchange The Decision Notice for this sordid and coordinated effort…

Nov 03 2021

Opportunities for Dolores River Conservation

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection, Rivers

One of the most remarkable features of Southwest Colorado is the spectacular canyon carved by the Dolores River. On those occasions when an abundance of snowpack blesses our region, adventurers can enjoy floating through 100 miles of a wild canyon…

Oct 21 2021

Land of Enchantment, Not Enchant Energy

By Emelie Frojen Climate Change, Coal, Energy Transition

The choice between continued coal power or equitable transition at San Juan Generating Station There is nothing enchanting about Enchant Energy’s proposal to continue burning dirty coal and emitting pollutants in the Four Corners long into the future. Enchant proposes…

Sep 02 2021

Opportunities abound for engagement on climate change

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Durango Herald Column

A friend recently lamented the apparent disappearance of Colorado’s trademark cobalt blue skies, those piercingly clear summer days in the mountains when you can see almost forever. Instead, our peaks and valleys are obscured by smoke in a ritual repeated…

Aug 27 2021

Take Action: Colorado Deserves Clean Air

By Emelie Frojen Climate Change, Oil & Gas, Take Action

Colorado's air quality is being threatened by the ever-present reality of oil and gas emissions. Let's ensure our air stays clean and create strong methane regulations for the state of Colorado.JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJSTlpPd3VNcVRpJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZkZWZhdWx0LnNhbHNhbGFicy5vcmclMkZhcGklMkZ3aWRnZXQlMkZ0ZW1wbGF0ZSUyRmM1MDNhN2VhLWZiY2UtNGI3MS1hNzkzLTBmOWMwNmU5ZGQyYSUyRiUzRnRJZCUzRFJOWk93dU1xVGklMjIlMjAlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=

Jun 02 2021

June Monthly Scoop: Gary Skiba on Wildlife

By Rane Dickerson

Join in for our June Monthly Scoop with SJCA's wildlife manager, Gary Skiba. Beyond Gary's extensive background with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, his personal passion for wildlife is infectious. Expect an update of wolf restoration progress, bighorn sheep management,…

Jun 01 2021

Transparency, Rate Reductions, & the 2021 LPEA Election

By sjca LPEA Spotlight

This blog series covers the monthly La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Board of Directors meetings. We’re tracking the board for transparency and accountability, as well as to stay current on their renewable energy initiatives. Find past and future spotlights here. Get…

May 26 2021

Electric Co-ops Boost Local Energy Supplies

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

An inspiring story of rapid energy transition is playing out in a neighboring rural electric cooperative in northern New Mexico. Just recently, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative announced it is ahead of schedule to complete several solar projects by the end…

May 04 2021

May Monthly Scoop: Jimbo Buickerood on the HD Mountains BioBlitz

By sjca

Our May Monthly Scoop will feature Jimbo Buickerood, SJCA's lands and forest protection manager. Jimbo will provide an update on our upcoming BioBlitz in the HD Mountains and other public lands issues. Zoom registration is required to join this free…

Apr 23 2021

Domestic Sheep Grazing Halted at Coller State Wildlife Area

By Gary Skiba Species

Last winter SJCA, (along with our partners at Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society) scored a victory to keep bighorn sheep safe and improve the management of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) State Wildlife Areas (SWAs).…

Apr 19 2021

States Pursue Competing Energy Visions

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

Colorado and Wyoming are on rapidly diverging paths to distinctly different energy futures. Colorado’s Legislature next week will contemplate further greenhouse gas emissions reductions, with stricter requirements for rapid transition away from coal and other carbon emitting fuels. The intent…

Apr 12 2021

Preparing for the HD Mountain BioBlitz

By sjca Lands Protection, Species

The territory bordering the Piedra River as it leaves the San Juan Mountains and emerges into lower elevation lands has long been of interest to peoples who lived in and travelled through these lands. The endemic forests, grasslands and streamside…

Mar 25 2021

Gold King Legacy Leads to Stronger Water Protections

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Gold King Mine

Colorado is currently considering ways to strengthen rules for protecting water from future hardrock mining operations. It’s a direct link back to the Gold King Mine spill in 2015, though one perhaps obscured by the passage of time. The path…

Feb 16 2021

Take Action: Support the Colorado Wilderness Act & BLM Wildlands

By sjca Lands Protection, Take Action

The Colorado Wilderness Act has been reintroduced, but in order to pass it needs the support of Colorado's Senators. Take action today and ask Colorado Senators Michael Bennet & John Hickenlooper to support the Colorado Wilderness Act!JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJhQW90ZGRTcnVuJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZkZWZhdWx0LnNhbHNhbGFicy5vcmclMkZhcGklMkZ3aWRnZXQlMkZ0ZW1wbGF0ZSUyRjMyZmRjZmU0LTNjM2QtNGQ4My05ZTUxLThiNDlmZWNiNWM0NiUyRiUzRnRJZCUzRGFBb3RkZFNydW4lMjIlMjAlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=

Feb 11 2021

Take Action: Support Strong Protections for Colorado Rivers

By sjca Rivers, Take Action

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Feb 04 2021

Coloradans Applaud Re-Introduction of Colorado Wilderness Act

By sjca In the News, Lands Protection

The Colorado Wilderness Act was reintroduced in Congress today! First introduced in 1999, the wilderness bill proposes protections for 660,000 acres of Colorado's most spectacular canyon and desert wildlands, like the Dolores River Canyon. New wilderness protections are strongly supported…

Jan 22 2021

Land Protection on Deck for New Congress

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection

Congress reconvenes this month with major unfinished business around land conservation legislation of great significance to Southwest Colorado. After decades of analysis and consideration, last year bills advanced through the U.S. House of Representatives to enact wilderness and other protective…

Jan 07 2021

SJCA Annual Update Video

By sjca Energy Transition, Lands Protection, Of Interest, Rivers

Since we couldn't see everyone in person this year, we made a video to show you what our staff has been up to & update you on some of our top campaigns! Check it out!

Dec 23 2020

New Administration Means New Environmental Rules

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column

The changing of the guard of presidential administrations frequently brings substantial reversals of previous rules and policies. The Trump administration gained notoriety for its widespread attempts to abandon or undermine rules intended to reduce pollution or safeguard public lands. It’s…

Nov 11 2020

Take Action: Help Pass the CORE Act & the Colorado Wilderness Act!

By sjca Lands Protection, Take Action

Photo: John Fielder Help Secure New Wilderness in Colorado Contact Colorado’s elected representatives to thank them for their strong support of public lands and ask that they do everything in their power to pass the CORE Act and the Colorado…

Nov 06 2020

Colorado Emissions Roadmap a Chance for Cleaner Power

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Nov 06 2020

Breaking: Colorado Votes to Restore Wolves

By sjca In the News, Species

Colorado voters approved a measure to reintroduce wolves to our state's western wildlands! State wildlife managers will develop and implement a plan for wolf reintroduction, with "paws on the ground," beginning no later than the end of 2023. As SJCA…

Oct 21 2020

Take Action: Hold Tri-State to Higher Carbon Reduction Standards

By sjca Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Take Action

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Oct 20 2020

Unlawful Public Lands Head Invites Chaos

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection

A Montana judge recently ruled the head of the Bureau of Land Management had illegally served as the agency’s director for more than a year. That’s a big deal, seeing as it is the nation’s largest land manager. In Colorado,…

Oct 16 2020

What’s Your Plan?

By sjca Lands Protection, Of Interest, Take Action

SJCA believes that responsible management of our public lands protects our communities’ heritage, supports healthy wildlife and their habitat, sustains a strong and self-reliant economy, and preserves our quality of life for generations to come. To help our members and…

Sep 30 2020

Waiting for a Verdict

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Sep 25 2020

Will wolves join lynx as recovered species in Colorado?

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Species

Twenty years ago, Colorado wildlife officials restored long-missing lynx to the state’s forests and mountains. It was a joy to watch lynx bound away from their release point at Rio Grande Reservoir and take to their native habitat. Changing societal…

Sep 10 2020

TAKE ACTION: Keep LPEA Moving Towards Clean Energy

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy, Take Action

Keep LPEA’s Exit Charge Case in Colorado LPEA has made huge headway in its fight for cleaner, cheaper power here in Southwest Colorado. But by illegally adding new members to the cooperative “family”, Tri-State qualified for federal regulation – pre-empting…

Sep 08 2020

TAKE ACTION: The Compressor To (And From) Nowhere

By sjca Lands Protection, Oil & Gas

Once again, the HD Mountains face new threats from oil and gas development, this time from a proposal for a massive methane gas compression and processing facility. The proposal for the El Toro facility has numerous flaws, not least of…

Sep 01 2020

Another FERC Curveball

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Aug 29 2020

Protecting the Headwaters of the Animas River: Over 200 Comments Submitted

By sjca Rivers

The EPA proposed a new mine waste repository near Silverton, as part of their work at the Bonita Peak Superfund Site. We submitted our own SJCA comments on the proposal, and with your help sent in an extra 205 comments…

Aug 21 2020

Defense Spending Bill May Provide Path to Land Conservation

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection

As Congress nears the finish line this year, the fate of conservation legislation dealing with a million acres in Colorado is left hanging. The House of Representatives has now twice passed both the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act and…

Jul 24 2020

Colorado PUC Sides With LPEA

By sjca LPEA Spotlight

Jul 20 2020

Electric Co-ops Closer to Securing Tri-State Exit Fees

By Mark Pearson Coal, Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

Last week, La Plata Electric Association inched closer to gaining the basic information it has long desired to evaluate whether it makes sense to stay with Tri-State Generation and Transmission as its wholesale electricity supplier or jump ship to potentially…

Jul 02 2020

Proposed Purgatory Resort Expansion – At What Environmental Cost?

By sjca Lands Protection

Purgatory has shown an interest in developing the Ice Creek lift pod (at the eastern extent of greater Hermosa Park) area for many years and sought to include it an element of their Master Development Plan (MDP) during its creation…

Jun 12 2020

Key Findings on Gray Wolves Released

By Gary Skiba Of Interest, Species

This November, Colorado residents will vote on Proposition 107. If passed, it will require the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife to reintroduce wolves to the state by the end of 2023. Colorado State University’s Center for Carnivore-Human Coexistence, in…

Jun 11 2020

The Myth of the “Canadian Wolf”

By Gary Skiba Species

Opponents to wolf restoration, whether here in Colorado or Yellowstone, claim that the wolves that would be released are a different species than the wolves that were originally there. Colorado wolf opponents claim that reintroduced wolves would wreak havoc because…

May 31 2020

Race to the PUC

By sjca LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

May 28 2020

Conservation Groups Seek to Join Defense of Colorado Air Quality Protections

By sjca In the News, Oil & Gas

Last December, Colorado required oil and gas companies to significantly reduce their emissions- a crucial step needed to improve public health and put the state on track towards its carbon reduction goals. Even though the public strongly supports the new…

May 28 2020

Gearing up for Greenhouse Gas Reductions in Colorado

By sjca Oil & Gas

Last winter, Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted unanimously to adopt new emissions rules for the oil and gas industry. Now, the AQCC is working with the Energy Office to implement the greenhouse gas reduction goals in House Bill…

May 14 2020

TAKE ACTION: Stand up to Protect the HD Mountains

By sjca Lands Protection, Oil & Gas

The HDs are under siege. Again. The San Juan National Forest is proposing to approve an 8.6-mile natural gas pipeline that cuts across a portion of the HD Mountains Roadless Area. In doing so, the Forest Service intends to simply…

May 05 2020

The HD’s – “Just” Quiet, Beauty and Wildlife Habitat

By sjca Lands Protection, Oil & Gas

It wasn’t the several contiguous weeks of working from my home “office” that motivated me to journey to the HD Mountains (between Bayfield and Chimney Rock National Monument); rather it was the need to see firsthand yet another set of…

Mar 20 2020

LPEA Drives Statewide Policy Change

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Renewable Energy

The transformation in Colorado’s energy landscape over the past year is nothing short of breathtaking. A good part of that transformation owes to the leadership of La Plata Electric Association. Who might have imagined a year ago that LPEA would…

Mar 09 2020

Deadline March 10th For Local Input on Rollback of Environmental Law

By sjca In the News, Of Interest

Breaking: The Trump Administration has proposed changes that would rollback critical elements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a bedrock environmental law. NEPA is fundamental to protecting public health, safety, and our environment, and the vast majority of Western…

Feb 19 2020

Durango Oil and Gas Public Meeting

By sjca

Stand up for New Oil and Gas Protections After nearly a decade in the making, Colorado passed major oil and gas reforms in 2019 affirming that its agency, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), will place health, safety,…

Feb 14 2020

Legislation Ensures Lasting Conservation

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection

Photo: John Fielder Last week, the Bureau of Land Management finalized plans to open millions of acres of southern Utah to energy development, oil and gas drilling, coal mining and a variety of other extraction activities. These were the…

Jan 28 2020

Road, Bridges Threaten Dolores River Canyon

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection

Conservationists pursue protective designations like wilderness or wild and scenic rivers to help ensure the undeveloped character of cherished places is guaranteed into the future. It’s a bulwark against the creeping industrialization that often threatens to consume the quiet valleys…

Jan 16 2020

Tri-State Announces Responsible Energy Plan

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy

Photo: WildEarth Guardians Last week, Tri-State announced it intended to close its Colorado and New Mexico coal generation assets ahead of schedule. This week Tri-State made a second announcement on its Responsible Energy Plan. Notably, Tri-State will: Strive for 100%…

Jan 08 2020

Why Restore Wolves to Colorado Part IV: Intentional Reintroduction Allows Flexibility

By sjca Lands Protection, Species

Photo: National Park Service In our original blog, ‘Why Restore Wolves to Colorado,’ we briefly discussed the top five reasons wolves should be reintroduced to the state. Now, we’re digging deeper into each of those arguments. You can also check…

Dec 23 2019

Advocacy Groups Celebrate Key Step Towards Climate Goals and Cleaner Air

By sjca Energy Transition, In the News, Oil & Gas

The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted unanimously on new methane protections on the oil and gas industry that prioritize public health and the environment. These new regulations will cut methane emissions, improve air quality, and help Colorado meet…

Nov 17 2019

Colorado plans to create new methane rules

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Oil & Gas

In 2014, our region gained notoriety as the nation’s methane hotspot. Researchers at NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration noticed via satellite measurements a plume of methane over the Four Corners that dwarfed anywhere else in the country.…

Nov 12 2019

Why Restore Wolves to Colorado Part III: The Public Wants It

By sjca Lands Protection, Species

Oct 31 2019

CORE Act Passes the House!

By sjca Lands Protection, Rivers, Species

We know that meaningful and permanent public lands protections take time. Lots of time. Lots of stakeholders are at the table and compromises are hashed out over years, not weeks. Often times such efforts are framed by politicians as being…

Oct 25 2019

Western Slope Voters Support CORE Act

By sjca Lands Protection

Photo: Jack Brauer Really, it isn't a surprise to most of us that the majority of Western Slope voters support our public lands and want them protected. For those who are skeptical, this recent poll clearly shows widespread support for…

Oct 21 2019

Four Corners Air Quality Group meeting

By sjca

Come join us for the annual Four Corners Air Quality Group meeting in Durango this Wednesday to hear about important factors in our regional air quality and some of the steps being taken to improve it. There will also be…

Oct 20 2019

San Juan Mountains legislation faces vote in U.S. House

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection

This week marks the 10th anniversary of long-simmering efforts to obtain added wilderness protections for the high ranges of the San Juan Mountains. Back in 2009, then Rep. John Salazar first introduced the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act, legislation aimed…

Oct 15 2019

Fire & Forests Learning Series Part III: Resilience

By sjca

Photo: Michael Remke Fire & Forests Learning Series Part III: Resilience Post 416 Fire November 6th, 6-8 pm Powerhouse Science Center Durango, CO To close the series, we will direct the conversation to the lessons learned by our community…

Oct 15 2019

Forest & Fire Learning Series Part I: Fire & Forests

By sjca

Photo: Michael Remke Fire & Forests Learning Series Part I: The History of Fire & Forest Ecology in the San Juan Mountains October 23rd, 6-8 pm Powerhouse Science Center The series will kick off with a presentation on the foundational…

Oct 15 2019

Wolf Creek Update – Pagosa Springs

By sjca

Photo: Alex Pullen SJCA Open House & Wolf Creek Campaign Update Tuesday, October 29th 5-7 pm Pagosa Brewing & Grill 118 N. Pagosa Blvd., Pagosa Springs Wondering what the latest is with our decade-long campaign to protect Wolf Creek…

Oct 11 2019

Why Restore Wolves to Colorado Part II: Colorado is the Missing Link

By sjca Lands Protection, Species

Photo: Wikimedia Commons In our original blog, ‘Why Restore Wolves to Colorado,’ we briefly discussed the top five reasons wolves should be reintroduced to the state. Now, we’re digging deeper into each of those arguments. You can also check out Part…

Sep 11 2019

Take Action: Stand Up For Clean Energy In Colorado

By sjca Coal, Energy Transition, Renewable Energy

A Rulemaking to Hold Tri-State Accountable The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is holding a rulemaking process through October 15th about Tri-State's Electric Resource Plan (ERP), which will fundamentally impact co-op customers for years to come. The ERP is a long-term…

Sep 03 2019

The Methane Hotspot Isn’t Just Going to Disappear

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas

Photo: Carlan Tapp Why should we care about methane, exactly? Remember that methane hotspot floating over the Four Corners region? Explosive growth in the oil and gas industry have contributed to some of the highest levels of methane emissions…

Aug 23 2019

Why Restore Wolves to Colorado Part I: Ecology

By sjca Lands Protection, Species

In our previous blog, ‘Why Restore Wolves to Colorado,’ we briefly discussed the top five reasons wolves should be reintroduced to the state. In this and future blogs, we’re digging deeper into each of those arguments. Blogs by Gary Skiba,…

Aug 20 2019

A New Era for Colorado Oil and Gas

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas

This April, SB 19-181 passed through the Colorado Legislature and was signed into law, fundamentally altering the landscape of Colorado oil and gas operations. The bill reforms oil and gas law and charges the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission…

Jul 20 2019

Energy dominance comes to Colorado

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection, Oil & Gas, Species

Conservation advocates routinely harp on the single-minded focus of the Trump administration exhorting resource exploitation on our public lands. In case that just sounds like hyperbole, recent real-life examples help illustrate the reality of the Department of Interior’s energy dominance…

Jun 16 2019

Our energy supply system is transforming

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Durango Herald Column, Energy Transition, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy

In just a few weeks, Public Service Co. of New Mexico will initiate the process to officially retire the San Juan Generating Station, the 1,600-megawatt, coal-fired behemoth outside Farmington that once burned coal day and night to generate electricity. It’s…

Jun 11 2019

Forest Service Rescinds Approval of Chainsaws in Wilderness!

By sjca Lands Protection

Photo: Tom Sykes The Forest Service has rescinded its approval to use chainsaws in Weminuche and South San Juan Wildernesses! We were surprised last month to hear about Regional Forester's illegal approval to use motorized equipment in the form of…

Jun 04 2019

Chain Saws in Wilderness Update

By sjca Lands Protection

Photo: National Park Service Chain Saws in Wilderness Update June 4th, 2019 Background On May 7th the Forest Service unexpectedly, and without any public notice or input, announced it would allow chain saws in the Weminuche and South San Juan…

Jun 03 2019

Why Restore Wolves to Colorado?

By sjca Lands Protection, Species

Photo: Fish and Wildlife Service Wolves have long stirred strong emotions in this country and still do. The idea of bringing wolves back to Colorado generates passionate support as well as die-hard opposition. Yet from an ecological standpoint, wolves belong…

May 28 2019

Challenging the Forest Service (again) over Village at Wolf Creek

By sjca Lands Protection, Species, Wolf Creek

Clean off those 'No Pillage' bumperstickers*, because here we go again. If you've lived in the area for long, you know the Village has a decades-long history. The short story is that a billionaire from Texas has long wanted to…

May 22 2019

We’re Challenging the Forest Service on Secretive Approval of Chainsaws in Wilderness

By sjca Lands Protection

Below is our press release detailing our arguments against the Forest Service's recent secretive approval allowing for chainsaws to be used in the Weminuche and South San Juan Wildernesses starting June 1. We're asking the court to reverse the decision.…

May 19 2019

Wilderness deserves restraint, humility

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Forest Health, Lands Protection

The Forest Service’s recent decision to approve using chain saws to cut out downed trees in wilderness areas might strike some as no big deal. But for longtime advocates for the wilderness concept generally, and supporters of the Weminuche and…

Apr 18 2019

Western Colorado Deserves Clean Air Too!

By Mark Pearson Oil & Gas

This month, the Colorado legislature passed landmark oil and gas reform legislation that directs the state to adopt next generation methane standards and expand air quality protections statewide. On Tuesday, the Air Quality Control Division will hold a public hearing…

Apr 16 2019

Congress Investigates Tri-State for Role in Secretive Lobbying Group

By sjca Climate Change, LPEA Spotlight, Renewable Energy

Mar 19 2019

Colorado Bill Aims to Modernize Regulation of Oil and Gas

By Mark Pearson Oil & Gas

Colorado is finally trying to revamp the regulation of oil and gas development for the 21st century. And it's long overdue. For decades, Colorado's official charge to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission was to "foster" oil and…

Mar 18 2019

Decisions loom about local electric supply

By Mark Pearson Climate Change, Coal, Renewable Energy

Spring is in the air, and with it comes potentially big changes for our electric power supply. Leadership changes abound at both our local rural electric cooperative, La Plata Electric Association, and its wholesale electric supplier, Tri-State Generating and Transmission.…

Feb 28 2019

Energy 101: Navigating the New Energy Market

By sjca

Energy 101: Navigating the New Energy Market Saturday, March 23rd 3:15 - 5:45 pm Durango Public Library Renewable energy is now less expensive than coal. This will be a community discussion about how to take advantage of these new…

Feb 28 2019

Rio Grande National Forest Again Sides with Developer in Wolf Creek Access Issue

By sjca Lands Protection, Species, Wolf Creek

Photo: Alex Pullen OK, here we go again. Many of you joined us in submitting protests this last fall on the draft decision to provide road access to the Village. And for good reason. It's not surprising they went ahead and…

Feb 17 2019

Land conservation overcomes congressional gridlock

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection, Rivers, Species

Photo: Jason Hatfield Fans of Utah’s spectacular redrock country can savor congressional action this week that advanced protections for a million acres of the incomparable San Rafael Swell, and one of the Colorado Plateau’s longest wild river segments through Desolation…

Jan 25 2019

CORE Act Gives San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act Another Chance!

By sjca Lands Protection

Photo: Jack Brauer Senator Bennet and Representative Neguse are breathiing new life into the decade-long campaign to permanently protect iconic, yet vulnerable, alpine landscapes in the San Juan Mountains. Next week, they're introducing a new bill, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation &…

Jan 17 2019

Call for Stronger Air Quality Rules for Oil and Gas Development in Colorado

By sjca Climate Change, Oil & Gas

While Colorado has been a national leader in establishing state-wide methane rules to limit waste, a task force is calling for more to be done to curb ozone pollution stemming from the oil and gas industry. With many counties, particularly…

Dec 04 2018

Climate Action Happy Hour

By sjca

Climate Action Happy Hour Monday, December 10th 5-6:30 pm Carver Brewing, Durango You're invited to join us and our friends at Conservation Colorado to discuss the future of renewable energy for our region and actions we can take to encourage…

May 19 2018

Photo of wildflowers in Ice Lake Basin by Jason Hatfield

San Juan Wilderness Act strategically protects mountains’ beauty

By Mark Pearson Durango Herald Column, Lands Protection

Photo: Jason Hatfield With spring full bore upon us, it’s hard not to cast an envious eye toward the high country and start daydreaming about alpine wildflower hikes. One favorite destination for many is Ice Lake Basin outside Silverton, one…

Apr 09 2018

BIG WIN: State Water Court Upholds Instream Flow for the Dolores

By sjca Rivers

We're celebrating! The Colorado state water court has upheld the instream water right instituted by the Colorado Water Conservation Board for the Dolores River in 2015. The standard was primarily intended to protect three struggling native fish populations, but will…

Nov 20 2015

Colorado’s Water Plan is a Historic Step Forward

By sjca Rivers

Responsible management of energy and water may be two of the biggest challenges we face this century, particularly in light of climate change. Colorado's first-ever state water plan was a difficult but important step toward successfully meeting those challenges. The Alliance joins other…

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