High Country News

Two weeks in the West

Wind and solar energy projects ramp up across the West; Conservation Reserve Program ramps down; the West’s volcanic history; potatoes are good for you.

by Sarah Gilman, May 12, 2008
Coffeepots and climate

Shane Bondi seeks to understand the connection between a lump of coal, a power plant and that first cup of coffee in the morning.

by Shane Bondi, May 12, 2008
California clean energy rules may impede imports from rest of West

Renewable energy developers have long relied on selling to California, but recent changes make it harder for outsiders to access the market.

by Steve Ernst, May 28, 2012
Feds attempt to speed complicated process of building power lines

The Obama administration's electrical transmission permitting agencies are cooperating to speed grid updates and fast track clean energy projects, as demand for power grows.

by Sarah Gilman, Nov 15, 2011
INNOVATE, Part III

Westerners have a knack for new and innovative thinking, such as: Redefining rancher politics, A rediscovered renewable, Creating public nooks and crannies and more.

by Marty Durlin, Ray Ring, Sandra Tassel, Sarah Gilman, Terray Sylvester, Jennifer Anderson , Mar 12, 2009
Solar power works best when it stays small and local

Industrial-style, large-scale solar developments on Western public lands are simply not the right way to go.

by Janine Blaeloch, Apr 11, 2012
From Pickups to PV

Utility brings solar power to far-flung Navajos

by Daniel Kraker, Jun 24, 2009
Dear friends

Election results will be in the next issue; Auden Schendler makes electricity in Snowmass, Colo.; visitors

by Staff, Nov 08, 2004
Colorado voters snub coal for all things renewable

The board member of a small electric utility opines that the wind power mandate of Colorado's Amendment 37 is good for the energy industry, despite the utilities' resistance

by Ed Marston, Nov 22, 2004
The Winds of Change

Colorado citizens voted last November to increase their state’s reliance on power from the wind and sun, but King Coal still rules the state, and the White House seems determined to keep it on the throne

by Laura Paskus, May 02, 2005