AGP Executive Report

Dark Skies in Colorado: Colorado is rolling out a connected “stargazing trail” to link DarkSky-certified parks and communities, building on a mentorship effort that has brought 13 state parks and eight communities into the program. Mining & Water Impacts: CJK Milling’s permit timeline was extended to Aug. 3 as Colorado regulators review the company’s responses about moving and processing mine tailings near Lake County and its mill site off U.S. 24. Wildlife & Grazing Conflict: A federal decision to revoke bison grazing leases in Montana is reigniting the fight over whether bison are treated as wildlife or livestock, with American Prairie planning an appeal. Drought & Weather Watch: A new drought-focused outlook notes ongoing dryness in parts of the U.S. even as some regions see relief from recent storms. Household Pressure: A report highlights Coloradans leaning on high-interest credit cards as costs rise faster than wages, with housing and childcare driving much of the strain. Policy & Costs: Gov. Polis vetoed a bill targeting credit-card interchange fees on taxes, warning it could create “chaos” for small businesses and consumers. Home Health Scrutiny: Colorado’s Medicaid-funded home health system remains complex, with coverage tied to medical necessity and doctor-signed plans of care.

Colorado River Water Talks: Federal and state water agencies in Arizona, California, and Nevada signed an MOU to explore interstate exchanges using desalination and recycled supplies, aiming to help the basin as storage stays low—without changing existing water rights. Drought Pressure on Farms: With record-low snowpack, Gunnison Tunnel flows to Western Slope farms are down about half, leaving growers juggling crop choices and water uncertainty. Mosquito Season Warning: CSU experts say a mild winter could mean a worse-than-usual mosquito season in Colorado, with activity likely stretching from June into fall. Public Health Update: Jefferson County confirmed Colorado’s first human West Nile virus case of 2026, urging residents to prevent bites and eliminate standing water. Wildlife Safety: Evergreen Parkway safety efforts are ramping up for animal crossings, alongside a new state wildlife-crossing funding bill. Local Energy & Climate Courts: Mesa County commissioners plan to join an amicus brief in a Supreme Court case tied to local climate-cost lawsuits against oil and gas companies. Data Center Scrutiny: New details emerged on a proposed $6 billion data center that would use reclaimed wastewater—raising questions about water demand and emissions claims. Outdoor Access: Colorado Springs volunteers prepared 650 free fishing poles for kids for “Get Outdoors Day,” aligning with Colorado’s statewide free fishing weekend.

Public Lands & Safety: A new push urges Coloradans to protect public lands, while Northern Colorado celebrates the Poudre River Trail’s latest mile-long addition—now a continuous 45-mile route from Bellvue to Greeley. Air Quality: Ozone season is underway on the Front Range, with advocates warning it’s hitting the region’s most vulnerable residents hardest. Climate Research Under Legal Threat: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle NCAR, keeping the lab’s supercomputing center intact for now. Dark Skies & Light Pollution: Colorado launched a statewide Colorado Stargazing Trail connecting certified dark-sky locations and night-sky programs, including new options at Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildlife & Land Management: Colorado Parks and Wildlife and partners continue work to protect pollinators and bumblebees through community science, while an opinion piece calls out the alleged illegal killing of a mother wolf and the orphaning of her pups. Local Infrastructure: CDOT released its 10-year transportation plan, including projects like Pagosa Springs–Durango bus service and major Highway 160 work in Pagosa.

Climate & Weather Policy: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from dismantling NCAR for now, pausing plans that would have shifted control of the Boulder climate research center and its Wyoming supercomputing work. Water & Drought: Experts warn the Colorado River could face “devastating consequences” if another dry winter hits, while San Diego’s surplus water shows how recycling and desalination can change regional water markets. Public Health: Colorado recorded its first West Nile virus human case of 2026 in Jefferson County, a reminder that mosquitoes can breed even when conditions seem dry. Air Quality: Ozone season is back on the Front Range, with advocates urging asthma families to heed alerts and limit outdoor exertion during peak pollution hours. Wildlife & Land Use: Mesa County joined an amicus brief in a U.S. Supreme Court climate-cost case involving energy companies, arguing outcomes could ripple through western Colorado’s energy-dependent communities. Outdoor Recreation & Conservation: A new Colorado Stargazing Trail highlights certified dark-sky parks and communities, and Colorado Springs received a grant to upgrade fire safety training for the public.

Severe Storm Safety Tech: Colorado State University and Nvidia say their AI system can forecast severe hail 2–3 hours ahead—aimed at Colorado and Wyoming where hail can hit homes, farms, solar and infrastructure fast. Climate Science in Courts: Colorado AG William Tong led a coalition urging the Federal Judicial Center to keep climate science guidance in its judicial manual, arguing removal was driven by partisan pressure. Clean Power for Schools: Denver Public Schools is seeking $2.6M for a microgrid at Abraham Lincoln High School, pairing solar with battery storage to cut costs and keep critical power during outages. Public Health—Ticks and Mosquitoes: Larimer County health officials warn that a mild winter means more ticks and mosquitoes, urging repellents, tick checks, and removing standing water. Rare Earth Supply Chain: Colorado School of Mines and ElementUSA won $67M from the DOE to build a rare earth processing plant using alumina tailings—an effort tied to domestic critical minerals. Wildlife Conflict Rules: Colorado’s new “luring bears” law shifts enforcement toward people who knowingly leave bear attractants accessible, targeting trash and feeders. Water Stewardship: Fort Carson’s Trinidad Water Festival drew 1,330 students for hands-on learning on conservation and pollution prevention.

Climate Research Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle NCAR in Boulder, saying the plan was unlawful and driven by political retaliation—keeping UCAR in control of the NCAR-Wyoming supercomputing center. Public Health: Delta County confirmed a measles case in a child under 5 and warned of possible exposures at Delta Health Urgent Care and Emergency Center; officials say vaccination rates are below herd-immunity levels. Wildlife & Drought: Colorado Parks and Wildlife began public fish salvage at the Nee Noshe Reservoir near Eads as drought and reduced operations leave the reservoir unlikely to refill. Land & Habitat Management: Boulder County commissioners resumed drone spraying of the herbicide indaziflam at Red Hill to curb invasive cheatgrass, with supporters citing wildfire risk and opponents pushing for more non-chemical options. Pollinators: Butterfly Pavilion completed a baseline survey for a pollinator corridor along the Northwest Parkway in Broomfield, aiming to convert unused right-of-way into habitat for butterflies and bees. Workforce & Tech: Elevate Quantum launched a training program to build hands-on technical capacity for vacuum and cryogenic roles tied to Colorado’s growing quantum industry.

Water Policy: Gov. Jared Polis signed HB26-1340 to require water buyers in Southeastern Colorado to prioritize revegetation and dryland farming when they change land use, aiming to curb erosion and weeds tied to purchased water rights. Public Health: Colorado is seeing a comeback in whooping cough after pandemic-era lows, with officials citing falling vaccination rates and waning immunity; more than 930 cases were reported in 2024-2025, and about two-thirds involve people under 18. Drought Impacts: Emergency fish salvage begins June 1 at Nee Noshe Reservoir as reduced operations and drought make refilling unlikely in the foreseeable future. Recreation Safety: Colorado park rangers at Chatfield State Park are urging boaters to wear life jackets as busy season kicks off, highlighting cold-water shock risk on reservoirs. Climate & Forecasting: A new ASU study uses satellites to improve Colorado River water forecasts by modeling snow and soil moisture, helping cities and farms plan for shortages. Wildlife & Health Watch: Mosquitoes are arriving early in Colorado; health officials say the season’s severity is still uncertain but are tracking conditions linked to West Nile virus. Legal/Community: A trademark fight between Patagonia and Denver Pride headliner Pattie Gonia (Wyn Wiley) is heating up, with the performer calling it corporate pressure against an activist.

Climate Research Under Pressure: A Colorado-based climate scientist warns Trump-era moves are crippling NCAR and other federal research, including a funding freeze that nearly led to layoffs at CIRES/Global Monitoring work. Wildlife Crossings Funding: New laws in multiple states aim to cut animal-vehicle crashes by financing wildlife corridors; Oregon is rolling out a dedicated “1.25% for Wildlife” hotel tax. Severe Weather Watch: Eastern Colorado faces a slight risk of storms with damaging winds up to 70 mph and large hail. Drought Impacts Fisheries: Colorado Parks and Wildlife will start an emergency public fish salvage at Nee Noshe Reservoir June 1 as drought and low operations threaten the fishery. Local Water Education: Fraser elementary students adopted a stormwater drainageway, helping map it and pushing cleanup and monitoring as drought concentrates pollution. EV Sales Slump: Colorado EV sales fell sharply in early 2026 after incentive changes and the end of a federal credit, raising questions about what will restart demand. Trash Cleanup Win: Aspen’s Pristine Riders Trash Crush logged record volunteer numbers, with organizers urging more help as additional cleanup areas remain. AnimalAid Expansion: Project AnimalAid is opening a new Gunbarrel home with an open house and ribbon cutting June 10, expanding its surplus medical supply recycling for animal welfare groups.

Public Health: Colorado confirmed a measles case in Delta County in a child under 5, with officials listing specific exposure sites and dates so nearby residents can monitor symptoms. Wildlife & Water: A marmot survived a roughly 280-mile ride wedged inside a truck frame after being rescued in Broomfield and sent to a rehab center before release. Drought & Accountability: A viral video from Durango shows sprinklers soaking cars and pavement at the La Plata County Fairgrounds during statewide drought restrictions, with the facility pointing to exemptions for keeping landscapes compliant. Climate Outlook: NOAA and Colorado State University forecasts point to a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, but Colorado’s weather impacts from El Niño remain uncertain—especially for monsoon strength. Water Infrastructure Pressure: New reporting highlights how data centers near Lake Mead could strain water and power supplies as drought drives historically low reservoir levels. Local Conservation: The Durango Fish Hatchery will temporarily close May 26–29 for construction, while the Huck Finn fishing pond stays open.

Water & Rivers: The annual Elephant Butte Dam release is underway, sending water downstream into the Rio Grande toward El Paso after a low-storage year, with officials warning people to avoid the riverbed as flows ramp up. Wildlife & Habitat: Colorado Parks and Wildlife released an orphaned bobcat back into the wild in the San Luis Valley after rehab and pairing it with another orphaned kitten so it could learn to socialize and hunt. Drought & Fire Risk: Utah declared a drought emergency while Colorado remains in Phase 2, and Colorado’s record-low snowpack is keeping wildfire danger front and center as agencies and landowners prepare for a tough season. Public Lands Recreation: A push is gaining momentum to expand hunting and fishing access on national wildlife refuges, including new opportunities in the Mountain West and Colorado. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters are flagging a potentially dangerous severe weather pattern across the central Plains into early June, with Colorado in the main corridor. Rio Grande Water Law: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a historic Rio Grande compact settlement, setting a long-term framework for water management across New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado. Local Cleanup: A Durango rafting outfitter is organizing a volunteer cleanup along the Animas River Trail to protect habitat and reduce trash along a major recreation draw. Data Centers & Power: Cities and states are increasingly pausing or tightening rules on data centers amid concerns about electricity costs and environmental impacts, with Colorado still wrestling with how to regulate the boom. Opinion/Policy: Colorado Gov. Polis vetoed four bills, including measures tied to budget cuts and social media compliance timelines.

Colorado River & Hydropower Tradeoffs: Officials weigh “cool mix flow” releases to protect Grand Canyon fish, but the move would cut hydropower output and raise costs for ratepayers as the river shrinks. Wildfire Readiness: Wyoming and regional partners are gearing up for an active, potentially extended fire season amid drought and early-drying fuels. Coal Ash Cleanup Rules: The EPA proposes more flexibility in coal ash rules, raising concerns that older Colorado sites could see slower safeguards and delayed cleanup. Water & Wildlife Impacts: CPW launches an emergency public fish salvage at Nee Noshe Reservoir as drought and reduced operations threaten the fishery. Public Lands Staffing: Colorado lawmakers introduce a bill to curb mass terminations at Interior and Forest Service agencies, citing staffing shortages that undermine wildfire and habitat protection. Outdoor Access Expansion: Cheyenne Mountain State Park adds nearly 500 acres, and CPW also expands recreation options at Rosemont Reservoir. Local Climate Outlook: Colorado’s monsoon season and El Nino conditions could bring above-normal rainfall chances, though heat may still dominate. Transportation Safety & Oversight: Colorado signs a bill modernizing the Public Utilities Commission, while the State Patrol highlights in-cab cameras to curb distracted truck driving.

Workplace Heat & Air Safety: OSHA says bosses can’t ignore heat illness risk, especially early in hot spells when workers haven’t acclimated. Public Lands & Wildlife: Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns people not to “rescue” baby animals, and shares moose-attack safety reminders after a Winter Park incident. Water & Climate Litigation: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a Rio Grande compact settlement involving New Mexico, Texas and Colorado, reshaping long-term water management. Colorado River Pressure: A new report flags how climate change could make Colorado hailstorms more destructive. Outdoor Recreation & Infrastructure: Larimer County’s Ranch Events Complex will add weapons detection tech for fair entry. Energy & Clean Tech: Lightship unveiled PowerSled, a mobile electric power system built for zero-emission job sites. State Policy & Elections: Colorado’s AG race and U.S. Senate contests heat up, with climate and affordability front and center. Wildfire Preparedness: Officials are bracing for a tough fire season as conditions remain volatile.

Outdoor Access & Wildlife: Cheyenne Mountain State Park is expanding by 484 acres, adding 11 campsites and boosting recreation around Rosemont Reservoir. Wildlife Safety: Evergreen Parkway safety efforts are ramping up after elk deaths, with a new statewide wildlife crossings funding bill signed by Gov. Polis. Beavers & Flood Risk: Colorado Springs paused a Cottonwood Creek beaver dam removal to reassess flooding and channel-stability concerns while preserving habitat. Water & Conservation: A Rio Grande dispute between New Mexico and Texas was settled, with New Mexico agreeing to reduce groundwater depletions over the next decade. Climate & Health: Denver overdose deaths are rising again after a 2024 dip, with advocates pointing to an unregulated drug supply. Community Cooling: Denver’s Cool Homes program is funding portable A/C for seniors and vulnerable residents amid record-heat forecasts. PFAS: EPA announced $44.3 million for Colorado to address PFAS in drinking water. Data Centers Backlash: Cities across the country are pausing data center projects amid resident concerns, while Colorado lawmakers continue to grapple with regulations.

Wildfire readiness: Colorado’s Army National Guard is shifting to a year-round wildfire posture after record-low snowpack left forests and grasslands dangerously dry, with aviation training and faster response planning becoming the new normal. Outdoor access: Gov. Polis signed the Colorado Outdoor Opportunities Act, expanding the Division of Parks and Wildlife’s authority to coordinate outdoor recreation and conservation alongside new access and infrastructure. EV recycling: A bipartisan Colorado EV battery stewardship bill would ban propulsion battery landfilling by 2028 and require reuse, repurposing, or recycling, including set recovery rates for critical minerals. Water & climate risk: A new report warns climate change could make Colorado hailstorms more destructive, adding to concerns about extreme weather impacts. Historic preservation: The National Trust for Historic Preservation named 11 of the nation’s most endangered historic places, including Colorado sites tied to the fight for equality. PFAS watch: California surface-water testing found “forever chemicals” in about half of samples, underscoring ongoing contamination risks for drinking-water sources.

Wildfire & climate risk: A new federal map flags elevated wildfire potential this summer as drought and warmer conditions dry fuels across the West. Insurance & hail: Colorado homeowners are feeling the climate math too—hail is driving big premium jumps, with Colorado’s hail season and “Hail Alley” conditions blamed for billions in insured damage. El Niño watch: NOAA says El Niño is increasingly likely, but Colorado’s winter snow won’t be a simple “El Niño = snow” story because storm tracks and terrain matter. Water security: Arizona researchers are improving Colorado River forecasts using better tracking of basin water storage, while Colorado’s Shoshone water-right purchase funding is moving forward after federal participation was reversed. Wildlife safety laws: Gov. Polis signed bills to reduce human-bear conflicts (including bear-luring enforcement) and to expand wildlife crossings funding via an optional vehicle-registration fee. Outdoor access: Polis also signed the Colorado Outdoor Opportunities Act to expand safe recreation access statewide. Local wildlife updates: CPW reported new wolf activity patterns across central mountains, and a moose attack near Winter Park prompted reminders to give moose space. Community climate wins: Denver’s DPS Climate Champions Grant funded bike-and-helmet giveaways and a bike-bus program for kindergarteners.

Uranium & Sacred Lands: A Colorado uranium company, Energy Fuels, filed a finalized plan to mine near Mount Taylor in New Mexico’s Cibola National Forest, including pumping groundwater and releasing treated water to the Rio San Jose—prompting renewed scrutiny from Diné advocates and environmental lawyers. Wildlife Safety: Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging caution after a moose attack near Winter Park seriously injured a person walking two leashed dogs; signs were posted and officers couldn’t locate the cow moose and yearling. Water & Drought Pressure: A Denver-area water series highlights how a dry winter is hitting mountain-town budgets, with falling sales-tax revenue tied to fewer visitors and weaker snow seasons. Colorado River Stakes: Commentary and reporting continue to focus on shrinking flows and the tradeoffs of protecting fish with “cool water” releases that can reduce hydropower. Climate Science: New research using rock samples from the Denver Basin finds fungal surges after the dinosaur-killing asteroid impact, suggesting a broader post-disaster fungal bloom across North America. Noise Pollution: DIA is working to reduce airport noise after research links noise exposure to stress in travelers.