Drought Emergency: Gov. Jared Polis activated Phase 3 of Colorado’s Drought Response Plan and declared a statewide drought emergency as record-low snowpack and persistent heat push all 64 counties into abnormally dry conditions, with 93% in moderate to exceptional drought. Water Innovation: Colorado researchers at CSU Spur are testing ways to stretch supplies, including GRETA, a commercial graywater collection and reuse system that treats shower and sink water for toilet flushing. Colorado River Risk: A new study warns the Colorado River Basin could face a “system crash” if another dry winter follows low projections, threatening reservoir storage and especially agriculture. Wildlife & Recreation: CPW urged GoPro Mountain Games water participants to clean, drain, and dry gear to prevent aquatic nuisance species spread, as low water levels and zebra mussel findings have reshaped event sites. Wildfire Prevention: A wildfire protection company relocated its HQ to Greenwood Village, pitching an environmentally safer fire-defense product aimed at preventing ignition rather than just responding. Home Resilience: Polis signed a law creating grants to fortify roofs against hail and wind to help stabilize homeowners insurance costs. EV Recycling: Colorado approved a first-in-the-nation plan requiring EV battery recycling. Public Lands Access: Wilderness Land Trust completed a major land transfer to the San Isabel National Forest, permanently protecting high-country near Mount Champion. Predator Policy: A new Colorado law toughens penalties for luring bears with trash or other attractants, lowering the threshold for enforcement. Energy Politics: Colorado regulators denied Xcel’s $2.9 billion gas system plan, citing cleaner, cheaper alternatives and alignment with state goals. Coal Push: Nationally, Trump announced nearly $700 million to support coal plants and exports, with Mountain West states positioned to benefit.