Glenwood Springs–Closing off Four Mile Road to industrial truck traffic isn’t enough according to a local conservation group. Members of the Thompson Divide Coalition are urging the Glenwood Springs City Council and the Garfield County Board of Commissioners to adopt a formal resolution opposing drilling of any kind in the area. Coalition members and other citizens crammed into the city hall council chambers last night to voice their concerns about energy exploration near Sunlight Mountain and the impacts to local tourism and small business.
DENVER (AP) – The marijuana measure passed by Colorado voters this week is in direct violation of federal law. Colorado’s governor expects to hear what the federal government plans to do about it Friday afternoon. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper were scheduled for an afternoon conference call about the constitutional amendment passed by Colorado voters Tuesday. Hickenlooper announced no plans to address the public today after his call with Holder.
DENVER (AP) – Hit the slopes – and then a bong? The marijuana legalization vote this week in Colorado didn’t just set up an epic state-federal showdown on drug law for residents. The measure also opens the door for marijuana tourism. Tourists may not be able to pack their bowls along with their bags, but as long as out-of-state tourists purchase and use pot while in Colorado, they wouldn’t violate the marijuana measures.
DENVER (AP) – Nearly 600 homeless veterans are seeking help in Colorado this year. Many of them showed up yesterday at Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Denver for an event organized by a national nonprofit coalition. The coalition is offering food, medical care, clothing and housing. The Denver Post says many of those evaluated have mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder caused by trauma from their military service.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) – The U.S. Forest Service has rejected an appeal of its decision to let Arch Coal Inc. expand the West Elk Mine in Somerset. The company plans to build temporary roads and drilling pads for methane vents in 1,700 acres of the Sunset Roadless Area to accommodate the expansion. Conservation groups had argued that the activity would turn the area into an industrial zone.
