Marijuana growers really want to green their operations
And it’s causing problems for Xcel. Plus: Private equity moves into child care and neighbors fight plan to expand gas storage
Good morning, Colorado.
During last night’s presidential debate, both abortion rights and Venezuelan gangs were discussed, among other controversial topics. I was grateful that we’ve covered both those topics so I could have a nuanced understanding as both candidates spoke.
That’s the beauty of local news, and makes me grateful to be celebrating The Sun’s anniversary this week.
Now, grab your preferred morning beverage and let’s dive into even more Colorado news this morning.
P.S.
Have thoughts on how to make a better Colorado? Join us at SunFest later this month. Grab tickets today.
THE NEWS
BUSINESS
Xcel drained its $94M energy efficiency budget after marijuana growers took notice — and wants $34M more
“Unexpectedly high customer interest,” mainly driven by marijuana grow houses, led Xcel to pull the plug on a program helping businesses green their operations — for now. And of course, the announcement that the bonus program would close led to a wave of applications to beat the deadline, which compounded the problem, Mark Jaffe reports.
EDUCATION
Colorado child care declines in quality, reliability as advocates sound alarm over private equity groups moving in
Understaffing, lower quality of care and general disinvestment are common under private equity ownership in all kinds of service industries. Now the investors are moving into child care, and industry watchdogs and education advocates are ringing alarm bells, Andrea Steffes-Tuttle writes.
EQUITY
Commerce City neighbors fighting plans to store more gasoline across the street from a school
Commerce City residents want the Colorado health department to deny a permit that would allow a pipeline company to expand its gasoline storage facility across the street from Dupont Elementary. But as The Commerce City Express’ Por Jaijongkit and The Sun’s Michael Booth report, they face an uphill battle.
MORE NEWS
THE COLORADO REPORT
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SunLit
BOOKS
The Bookies Bookstore offers titles from nature to an offbeat novel
Each week as part of SunLit — The Sun’s literature section — we feature staff recommendations from bookstores across Colorado. This week, the staff from The Bookies Bookstore in Denver recommends:
Read what the bookstore staff had to say about each. Pick up a copy and support your local bookstores at the same time.
I need another cup of coffee. See you back here tomorrow.
— Danika & the whole staff of The Sun
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