Climate policies make a rebound for coal unlikely.
Economy
Posted inArticles
Two oil-boom soap operas, then and now
How ‘Blood & Oil’ in today’s Bakken and ‘Dynasty’ in a 1980s Colorado match up.
Posted inOctober 12, 2015: The Rise of Lisa Murkowski
The Colorado River’s desalination plant is on its last legs
The obscure Paradox Valley Unit keeps the Colorado River’s salinity levels in check for farmers, but causes quakes upstream.
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In Colorado, a ‘rental crisis’ forces workers into the woods
Tent cities, waste and overcrowding have created something foul in Crested Butte.
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Can Eugene, Oregon become a haven for startups?
This May, 30 game developers were laid off at the Zynga videogame company office in Eugene, Oregon. But soon after, Joe Maruschak spoke at the Barn Light coffee shop on how to launch a startup business. Game developers crowded around the tables. Maruschak, chief startup officer at Eugene’s Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network, encouraged the […]
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Iran deal adds to pain for US oil producers
Experts disagree about how much incremental damage US drillers will suffer.
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A crude oil export ban primer
All you need to know, and then some, about selling U.S. oil overseas.
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Are nonprofit models an answer for small ski areas?
As climate and economic challenges mount, some community ski hills find a new path.
Posted inAugust 31, 2015: Unlocking the Methane Mystery
Where FEMA fails
Better preparation can save money and lives, but pre-disaster funds are in short supply.
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Wyoming town wants low royalties for coal companies
In Interior Department listening session, Gillette miners air fears of new regulations.
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Nevada’s gold mining industry is hanging on — for now
Gold producers in Elko see job growth, despite an international price drop.
Posted inAugust 3, 2015: Outflanked
Is aerial firefighting worth it?
Aerial firefighting is dangerous, expensive and environmentally damaging. So why do we do it?
Posted inAugust 3, 2015: Outflanked
Arrival of the cost-benefit state
The Supreme Court wants the Environmental Protection Agency to weigh human health against costs to industry.
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Interior launches national conversation on federal coal
Should royalties be higher to account for social costs of climate change?
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Whitewater parks: an unlikely drought bailout
Expensive artificial wave features can ease dry times for river economies.
Posted inJuly 20, 2015: Shredded
Living the dream, on overtime
Why the outdoor industry opposes a federal minimum wage.
Posted inJuly 20, 2015: Shredded
Private-land camping startups offer alternative to public lands
Airbnb-like websites spring up in response to overcrowded public campsites.
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How crowded are private prisons in the West?
A riot in Arizona puts the spotlight on for-profit incarceration.
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Natural gas exports to Mexico are surging
A major new energy export market quietly emerges as Mexico takes advantage of low-priced U.S. gas.
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Lake Mead watch: As the Colorado dries up, will tourism?
What dropping water levels could mean for the region’s recreation economy.