President Obama Announces Plan to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Suncor power plant off of I-270 near Denver
Photo Courtesy of Ihana Photography

Earlier this week, President Obama announced a plan to reduce carbon emissions specifically from power plants focusing on coal-fired generators. The White House released a fact sheet for the plan on Tuesday, June 25th.

President Obama stated, "The question is not whether we need to act -- the overwhelming judgment of science, of chemistry and physics and millions of measurements, has put all that to rest," he said. "The question now is whether we will have the courage to act before it's too late."

However, not everyone is a fan of the President's new plan. John Boehner, R-Ohio, told USA Today, the plan will "limit low-cost energy options, hike costs for consumers, and destroy good-paying jobs."

The plan ultimately seeks to reduce carbon emissions, but also intends to help the country adapt to climate change, and trigger international efforts to address climate change. Colorado has seen the effects of climate change in its extended drought and fire seasons.

Colorado has been taking its own steps toward reducing carbon emissions including the Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act signed by former Governor Ritter in 2010 and approved by the EPA in 2012.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

MRLS Alum Authors Report Criticizing the BLM's Greater Sage Grouse Plan

Greater Sage Grouse
Photo Courtesy of the USFS

Megan Maxwell, MRLS'12, recently authored a report on the BLM's greater sage-grouse conservation recommendations as set forth in the BLM's December 2011 National Technical Team Report. The report is titled: BLM's NTT Report: Is it the best available science or a tool to support a predetermined outcome?

Maxwell's report was published by the Northwest Mining Association (NWMA). The NWMA is a 118 year old non-profit, non-partisan trade association. The NWMA focuses on hardrock mineral exploration processes including: prospecting, exploring, mining, and reclamation closure activities on BLM and USFS lands, and private and state lands in the west.

The NWMA has retained Maxwell, who is a biologist in addition to being trained in environmental law, to conduct further review of the NTT Report. She graduated with her Master of Resources Law Studies degree in December of 2012. Maxwell said, "The program [Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy Program] really did prepare me for the work I am doing now and I am very grateful for that."

Congratulations to Maxwell on her great work! We wish her all the best in her future endeavors!