Press Coverage

May 2022

• A lane expansion to unclog I-25 through downtown Denver is not on the table — for now
  The Colorado Sun - May 16, 2022
  "I think people are starting to understand that these highways are really city killers.” - SWEEP's Matt Frommer.
• Colorado Legislature Approves Landmark Energy Codes Bill
  Western Resource Advocates - May 11, 2022
  The Colorado Legislature today passed House Bill 22-1362, which requires cities and counties to update their building energy codes to increase energy efficiency and cut the climate pollution from new homes and commercial buildings. Lead sponsors of the bill are Representatives Tracey Bernett (D-Longmont) and Alex Valdez (D-Denver) along with Senators Chris Hansen (D-Denver) and Faith Winter (D-Adams County).
• Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Lamps
  Federal Register - May 9, 2022
  The Energy Policy and Conservation Act authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a number of consumer products and certain industrial equipment.
• Net Zero Cities: Reinventing existing buildings presents challenges, opportunities
  Loveland Reporter-Herald - May 9, 2022
  Operations of existing buildings account for 28% of carbon emissions, with building materials and construction accounting for another 11%.
• Let’s live up to our climate commitments
  Colorado Politics - May 6, 2022
  SWEEP found that all-electric homes cost about $2,000 to $3,000 less to build and save $1,200 in energy bills over 15 years, compared to a new home with gas appliances.
• New Mexico Adopts Clean Cars Standards
  Western Resource Advocates - May 5, 2022
  The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board and the City of Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board unanimously voted to adopt Clean Cars rules after public hearings on May 4 and 5. Adoption of the rules follows a robust stakeholder engagement process over the past year.
• BizWest TV: Christine Brinker plans to cut emissions from buildings {VIDEO}
  BizWest - May 5, 2022
  BizWest reporter Tommy Wood met up with Christine Brinker, Senior Building Energy Policy Manager with the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, at BizWest's Net Zero Cities event to discuss ways existing buildings can cut their carbon emissions.
• Feeling the heat: Energy insecurity in the nation's hottest states
  APM Research Lab - May 5, 2022
  The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated energy insecurity in households already struggling or likely to struggle paying energy bills, and millions of Americans face inhumane choices between paying these bills, feeding their children, and getting important medications.
• Fossil-free technology heating homes in frigid Fraser
  The Daily Sentinel - May 3, 2022
  Colorado needs many more air-source heat pumps — and fewer carbon emissions from buildings — to meet its mid-century decarbonization target goals of 90%.
• New Mexico Latest to Consider Adoption of Clean Car Rules
  Public News Service - May 3, 2022
  New Mexico may soon join more than a dozen other states in adopting California's clean car standards.

April 2022

• This fossil-free technology heats homes in frigid Fraser
  Colorado Newsline - April 28, 2022
  Several bills working their way through the Colorado Legislature this spring would nudge Coloradans toward low- and no-carbon technologies. All cost more up front, but save money, sometimes lots of it, over time, while reducing or eliminating emissions.
• Fossil-free technology that heats homes in frigid Fraser
  The Aspen Times - April 28, 2022
  Colorado needs many more air-source heat pumps — and fewer carbon emissions from buildings — to meet its mid-century decarbonization target goals of 90%.
• Fossil-free technology that heats homes in frigid Fraser
  Vail Daily - April 28, 2022
  Colorado needs many more air-source heat pumps — and fewer carbon emissions from buildings — to meet its mid-century decarbonization target goals of 90%.
• Clean cars mean cleaner air and cost savings for NM {OP-ED}
  Albuquerque Journal - April 28, 2022
  Electric vehicles (EVs) can help all New Mexicans get where they need to go without paying a lot for gasoline or diesel fuel. EVs use much less energy compared to gasoline-fueled vehicles and can be powered by locally-produced renewable electricity at stable and predictable prices rather than imported oil. Charging at home is roughly the same as fueling up on dollar-a-gallon gasoline.
• Several bills in the state legislature aim to nudge Coloradans toward low- and zero-carbon homes
  Boulder Reporting Lab - April 27, 2022
  One of them, sponsored by Rep. Tracey Bernett, who represents parts of Louisville, would mandate statewide building codes. Others would create incentives for heat pumps, energy storage and geothermal. Only one has bipartisan sponsors.
• Fossil-Free Technology that Heats Homes in Frigid Fraser
  Pagosa Daily Post - April 27, 2022
  Several bills working their way through the Colorado Legislature this spring would nudge Coloradans toward low- and no-carbon technologies. All cost more upfront, but save money, sometimes lots of it, over time, while reducing or eliminating emissions.
• Fossil-free technology that heats homes in frigid Fraser
  The Ark Valley Voice - April 27, 2022
  Colorado needs many more air-source heat pumps — and fewer carbon emissions from buildings — to meet its mid-century decarbonization target goals of 90 percent.
• Fossil-free technology that heats homes in frigid Fraser
  Sterling Journal-Advocate - April 26, 2022
  Several bills working their way through the Colorado Legislature this spring would nudge Coloradans toward low- and no-carbon technologies. All cost more upfront, but save money, sometimes lots of it, over time, while reducing or eliminating emissions.
• Fossil-free technology that heats homes in frigid Fraser
  The Fort Morgan TImes - April 26, 2022
  Colorado needs many more air-source heat pumps — and fewer carbon emissions from buildings — to meet its mid-century decarbonization target goals of 90%.
• Polis to speak at Net Zero Cities event in Loveland
  Loveland Reporter-Herald - April 24, 2022
  Colorado Governor Jared Polis will speak at Net Zero Cities, a BizWest event that will address various aspects of climate change.
• Polis to speak at Net Zero Cities event in Loveland
  Greeley Tribune - April 23, 2022
  Polis will discuss the state’s plans to become 100% powered by renewable energy by 2040, including costs, strategies for attainment, and reasons behind the effort.
• United Power's Attempt to Leave Tri-State 'Invalidated' by FERC Decision
  California Energy Markets - April 22, 2022
  A decision by federal energy regulators invalidated the efforts of a Colorado generation and transmission cooperative's largest member to withdraw and will allow Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association to plan for member departures with greater certainty.
• The Future of Clean/Electric Vehicles Statewide {RADIO INTERVIEW}
  KRWG Public Media - April 22, 2022
  On this edition of PUENTES a la comunidad, bridges to the community, host Emily Guerra spoke with Southwest Energy Efficiency Project New Mexico Representative, Tammy Fiebelkorn, she is also Albuquerque City Councilor for District 7, about the future of clean cars statewide.
• EVs are coming to Colorado. This bill would require charging stations at new large buildings.
  Colorado Newsline - April 20, 2022
  The Colorado House advanced a policy to require electric vehicle charging equipment at large residential and commercial buildings.
• Bill to require electric vehicle charging for new, large residential, commercial buildings advances in House
  Real Vail - April 20, 2022
  Over protests from Republicans, the Colorado House advanced a policy to require electric vehicle charging equipment at large residential and commercial buildings.
• Electrifying Your Home: Toward A Carbon-Free Footprint
  Climate Action Homes podcast - April 18, 2022
  SWEEP's Christine Brinker is interviewed on the Climate Action Homes podcast.
• Options to Improve Transportation Choices for Earth Day
  The Denver North Star - April 15, 2022
  Sloan’s Lake resident and SWEEP Transportation Program Director Travis Madsen and his family recently sold their second car and replaced it with an e-bike.
• With air quality worsening, Colorado’s top environmental officials seek millions more to fight pollution
  The Denver Post - April 10, 2022
  With the threat of missing another benchmark for improving air quality hovering like a blanket of summer smog, Colorado’s top environmental officials are asking the legislature for $47 million to hire more people and build better technology for monitoring unhealthy air, especially along the northern Front Range.
• Results are in on Utah residential energy code study
  Building Safety Journal - April 6, 2022
  Utah’s Residential Energy Code Field Study shows a big opportunity for cost savings and emissions reductions
• 3 new laws will impact the greening of Colorado real estate
  Colorado Real Estate Journal - April 6, 2022
  The Colorado State General Assembly’s 2021 session passed three laws impacting the greening of Colorado real estate – Electric Utility Promote Beneficial Electrification Act (SB21-246), Adopt Programs Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Utilities Act (2B21-264), and the Public Utilities Commission Encourage Renewable Energy Generation Act (SB21- 261), all of which aim to help achieve Colorado’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
• Boulder-area cities seek consistency in energy codes
  Boulder Daily Camera - April 3, 2022
  For municipalities that want to become more sustainable and energy efficient, building and energy codes are one of their most effective tools. Buildings, especially commercial and industrial ones, are huge producers of greenhouse gasses. In Boulder, commercial and industrial buildings are responsible for 53% of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting more-stringent building codes, cities and towns can mandate how sustainable new buildings must be.
• Boulder-area cities seek consistency in energy codes
  Longmont Times-Call - April 3, 2022
  The drive for more consistent codes is something builders want.
• Governor Polis, Legislative and Community Leaders propose Transformative Clean Air Legislation
  Ark Valley Voice - April 1, 2022
  On March 31, Governor Jared Polis joined legislative leadership, bill sponsors, and community leaders to unveil comprehensive legislation to preserve and protect Colorado’s air quality, and ensure Coloradans are healthy, safe, and can thrive. Just last summer, as wildfires engulfed the west, Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, reminding Front Range communities of the ‘brown cloud’ of pollution that had enveloped the metro area decades earlier.
• E-bikes, electric school buses eyed in air-quality proposals ahead of 2022 ozone season
  Colorado Newsline - April 1, 2022
  One year after Colorado’s long-running battle with air pollution took another turn for the worse, Gov. Jared Polis joined Democratic lawmakers at the Capitol on March 31 to tout a package of new funding aimed at averting another smog-filled summer in 2022 and beyond.

March 2022

• How EVs Will Revolutionize Transportation Needs for Small Businesses
  In Business - Greater Phoenix - March 24, 2022
  Transitioning to electric vehicles can be a savvy move for small businesses. Charging station infrastructure is currently being developed and it appears a full adoption of electric vehicles is around the corner. With average gas prices going up and electric vehicle prices coming down, small business owners can also take advantage of this new business opportunity, installing charging stations in their parking spaces as more vehicle owners opt to go electric.
• EPA Restoration of California Waiver Will Support State Climate Action, Improve Air Quality, and Advance our Electric Vehicle Future
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - March 11, 2022
  On March 9, EPA reinstated California’s authority under the Clean Air Act to implement its own greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and light trucks, which other states can also adopt and enforce. With this authority restored, EPA will continue partnering with states to advance the next generation of clean vehicle technologies. Leaders from across state government, business, advocacy and public health groups, and Members of Congress are praising this critical step to confront the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, and save families money at the gas pump.
• Nevada’s Authority to Set Clean Cars Standards is Restored! (COALITION PRESS RELEASE)
  Nevada Clean Cars - March 9, 2022
  The Biden EPA reinstated the right of states to adopt stronger clean vehicle standards that will improve air quality, expand consumer choice, boost the economy, and fight climate change
• ‘Think like a log’: Green housing expert offers advice to Marshall Fire victims on rebuilding with resiliency and long-term cost savings in mind
  Boulder Reporting Lab - March 9, 2022
  Passive house building consultant Andrew Michler discussed the outsized contribution of buildings on carbon emissions, the ‘unprecedented’ Xcel Energy incentives for Marshall Fire victims and more.
• NM cruising ahead on electric car charging stations
  Santa Fe New Mexican - March 5, 2022
  The funding is part of the bipartisan infrastructure package President Joe Biden signed into law late last year.
• Rebuilding greener is a community value, and Boulder County is stepping up to help fire victims
  Boulder Daily Camera - March 5, 2022
  As early as next week we are going to see a new bill introduced in the Colorado Legislature to help victims of natural disasters — such as the Marshall Fire that destroyed more than 1,000 Boulder County homes — receive financial support to rebuild their homes sustainably, says Will Toor, who heads the state’s Energy Office.
• Colorado targets buses and trucks in new emissions strategy
  The Denver Post - March 4, 2022
  “This is the next big thing in vehicle electrification. [Clean trucks] will save us money, improve our health, and help protect our environment," said Travis Madsen, SWEEP's Transportation Program Director.
• New Rule Would Let Casinos, Businesses That Left NV Energy Come Back
  Las Vegas Patch - March 3, 2022
  Most customers, whether a business or an individual, have no choice but to purchase electricity from NV Energy, a regulated monopoly.
• Louisville makes its tougher, green building codes optional for Marshall fire victims
  Colorado Public Radio - March 2, 2022
  The Louisville city council voted Tuesday to give Marshall fire victims flexibility on some of Colorado's most ambitious green building codes, meeting the demands of many fire victims who said the stricter standards would increase construction costs and push them further past the limits of their insurance policies.
• Here’s how Arizona is emerging as an electric vehicle hub
  AZ Big Media - March 2, 2022
  With four electric vehicles registered in the state for every 1,000 Arizona residents, Arizona is number 7 nationally for electric vehicle ranking.
• Environmental goals clash with economic realities as Louisville residents look to rebuild after Marshall fire
  The Denver Post - March 1, 2022
  The conflict between lofty environmental goals and economic reality is at a boiling point in Louisville, where Marshall fire survivors will be required to rebuild their homes with solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations and other green amenities as part of the city’s plan to be one of the most progressive, eco-friendly municipalities in Colorado.

February 2022

• There are new financial incentives for Marshall fire victims to rebuild greener homes
  Colorado Public Radio - February 28, 2022
  Marshall fire victims will have some extra financial help rebuilding their homes to modern green construction standards.
• Colorado wants to fix the Floyd Hill I-70 nightmare. Here’s how.
  The Colorado Sun - February 27, 2022
  A few miles of “pinched” lanes ruin the mountain experience for travelers and neighbors alike. CDOT’s next megaproject is a $700 million effort to move beyond 1959.
• Southwest Gas and NV Energy-funded groups advocate in favor of gas in Nevada’s “future of gas” docket
  Energy and Policy Institute - February 9, 2022
  Several groups calling on the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada for the continued use and expansion of fossil gas infrastructure in the state have ties to Southwest Gas and NV Energy, or their respective charitable foundations.
• How governors races may change energy, from EVs to renewables
  EnergyWire - February 8, 2022
  From rooftop solar incentives to pipelines, the outcome of several gubernatorial elections this November could shift state energy policies for years to come.

January 2022

• Firms chosen for $700 million I-70 expansion between Floyd Hill and Clear Creek Canyon
  The Denver Post - January 28, 2022
  “I just find it hard to believe that this new highway lane won’t immediately fill up with traffic,” said SWEEP's Matt Frommer. “There is just so much pent-up demand. I think we just need to come up with more creative solutions to try to get people out in the mountains.”
• Arizona regulators reject 100% clean energy rules package, energy efficiency standard extension
  Utility Dive - January 27, 2022
  By failing to extend Arizona’s Efficiency Standard, the Commission has abdicated its responsibility to protect Arizona ratepayers, including the most vulnerable communities.
• Arizona regulators reject their clean energy rules at last second
  Solar Builder - January 27, 2022
  The Arizona Corporation Commission rejected its 100 percent clean energy rules package in 3-2 vote. That outcome is a vote against adopting rules to guide the state’s energy transition comes after more than three years of bipartisan cooperation and extensive engagement with utilities, businesses, consumer advocates, and other Arizona stakeholders.
• Arizona regulators reject new clean-energy rules after years of debate
  National Wind Watch - January 26, 2022
  Arizona regulators have again killed rules that would require Tucson Electric Power and other state-regulated power companies to reach 100% carbon-free energy generation by 2070.
• In major reversal, Arizona utility regulators kill 100% clean-energy rules in the state
  National Wind Watch - January 26, 2022
  Three Republican utility regulators have voted down a proposal for 100% carbon-free energy in Arizona that was considered, debated, workshopped, and offered for public comment for more than five year
• Arizona regulators reject new clean-energy rules after years of debate
  Arizona Daily Star - January 26, 2022
  The latest twist in the years-long effort by the Arizona Corporation Commission to revamp the state’s clean-energy rules drew fire from supporters who say the rules are crucial for Arizona’s future.
• In major reversal, Arizona utility regulators kill 100% clean-energy rules in the state
  Arizona Republic - January 26, 2022
  The Commission failed to advance key consumer protections to eliminate energy waste and make everyone's electricity bills more affordable. After years of hard work and careful study, billions in potential cost savings and thousands of local jobs are now in jeopardy.
• Tri-State Embraces Near-Term GHG Reductions in Settlement Before Regulators
  California Energy Markets - January 21, 2022
  Colorado-based Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association on Jan. 18 filed an unopposed settlement agreement signed by more than two dozen parties regarding the first phase of its 2020 Electric Resource Plan. If approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the agreement will launch the wholesale cooperative forward with near-term goals that correspond to those of the State of Colorado to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible and at least 80 percent by 2030, compared with a 2005 baseline.
• Major cooperative agrees to aggressive clean power goals, consider retiring Craig coal plant 4 years early
  The Denver Gazette - January 20, 2022
  Craig Station, co-owned by the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, is a coal-fired power plant in northwest Colorado.
• Major cooperative agrees to aggressive clean power goals, consider retiring Craig coal unit 4 years early
  Colorado Politics - January 20, 2022
  Craig Station, co-owned by the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, is a coal-fired power plant in northwest Colorado.
• Reflecting on Our 2021 Transportation Electrification Victories
  Western Resource Advocates - January 20, 2022
  2021 saw game-changing commitments from car manufacturers, international commitments toward zero-carbon transportation, and billions of federal dollars for electric vehicle charging.
• Tri-State reaches settlement regarding local transition away from coal
  Craig Press - January 20, 2022
  As part of a large settlement reached on Tri-State’s 2020 Electric Resource Plan, a facilitated stakeholder engagement process will begin this year to help assist the city of Craig and Moffat County during the transition away from coal.
• Colorado concert halls and ski areas are tossing one-time plastic cups
  The Colorado Sun - January 18, 2022
  Music promoters AEG Rocky Mountain Presents have given up single-use plastic cups. From now on, all the Colorado venues controlled by AEG – the Ogden, the Bluebird, the Gothic, Mission Ballroom and, this spring, Fiddler’s Green – will wash and reuse plastic cups built to last through 500 uses.
• Charging infrastructure for electrical vehicles in Colorado to get a jolt from feds as EV sales continue to grow
  The Denver Post - January 13, 2022
  With electric vehicle registrations in November eclipsing 10% of all new Colorado vehicle registrations for the first time and $57 million in federal aid coming to help build out charging networks and capacity over the next five years, the state is now in a “brave new world” for how people power themselves from one place to another.
• RTD proposes massive overhaul: Fewer suburban buses, more service where riders remained during the pandemic
  Colorado Public Radio - January 12, 2022
  The Regional Transportation District is proposing a dramatic post-pandemic overhaul of its bus system that would focus service on places where passengers are still riding and permanently cut lines in locations where they aren’t.
• Who Should Pay Power Plant Shutdown Costs?
  Citizens Journal - January 7, 2022
  States across the country are debating and implementing Just Energy Transition funds to pay communities affected by the closure of a power plant as the country transitions to green energy.