WESTERN SLOPE COAL MINING ON TRIAL
Craig–A federal judge is considering a lawsuit that aims to halt the expansion of coal mining in Moffat County. Judge Brooke Jackson will hear arguments concerning two coal mines near Craig which fuel the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s nearby power plant. WildEarth Guardians is challenging the Interior Department’s approval of the expansion.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION BILL APPROVED BY STATE SENATE
Denver–A senate committee approved an appropriations bill that would focus more on the prediction and prevention of fires and floods. House Bill 1129 would require the fire and prevention control division to team up with a non-profit organiazation to customize and maintain a system. The plan is supported by the Colorado State Fire Chiefs and the County Sheriff’s of Colorado.
PUTTING A STOP TO RED LIGHTS
DENVER (AP) – A push to ban speeding and red-light cameras in Colorado is running out of time as the session nears its end. Sponsors of the bill hope to get it out of a key House committee today, and push it forward before the session ends May 6. Law enforcement and municipalities oppose the measure as they have in the past.
COLORADO BUDGET BILL TO BE SIGNED
DENVER (AP) – Gov. John Hickenlooper today signs Colorado’s $25 billion budget for next year, which includes money for taxpayer refunds and more funding for education. The refunds are required by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights when the state’s revenue exceeds the rate of population growth and inflation. Most of the funding in the budget goes to schools, health care, and prisons.
