Re-Energized
Oil rigs and coal mines. Wind turbines and solar panels. With its wealth of both traditional and renewable resources, Colorado is poised to become a major player in the new energy economy. 5280's special report looks at what it all means for you.
Position of Power
By Senator Gary Hart
As America struggles with energy security, Denver can light the way.
Colorado's Resources
By Julie Dugdale, Photography by Tyler Stableford
A look at the past, present, and future of Colorado's six most abundant sources of energy.
Feel the Lovins
By Philip Armour
After more than 30 years of hard work and little payoff, energy efficiency expert Amory Lovins is finally getting his due.
The Greening of the Governor
Interview by Cara McDonald
5280 talks with Governor Ritter about his vision for energy development, protecting Colorado's landscape, and the politics of power.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
By Lindsey B. Koehler
The American coal industry sits at the edge of a new era. Should Colorado's coal miners be worried?
Web Exclusive —Coal Slideshow
By Lindsey B. Koehler, Photography by Tyler Stableford
More then 2,000 coal miners toil underground in Colorado's dark mines. And each year they pull nearly 36 million tons of black gold from the earth to power up our iPods, plasma screens, and laptops. In Colorado, three out of every four times you flip a light switch, that glow is powered by coal. But the coal industry is, for the most part, out of sight and out of mind—even here in Colorado where we rank number seven in terms of production. We use energy often without thinking where it comes from. Here, in the following slides from Elk Creek Mine in Somerset, Colorado, you'll see the source. Our energy comes from coal miners. For more information, read "Between a Rock and a Hard Place" in 5280's November issue.
Out in the Cold
By Mike Kessler, Photography by Marc Piscotty
They are America's Cold War veterans. And they bravely endured years of radiation at Rocky Flats nuclear facility for a country that pledged to care for them. Instead, government loopholes are making sure those promises aren't kept.
Web Exclusive —Rocky Flats Resources
By Mike Kessler
Seven years ago, Congress passed a law admitting that nuclear weapons workers were exposed to radiation "without their knowledge or consent." The measure promised to compensate cancer-stricken ex-bomb builders with medical benefits and a lump sum of $150,000. But as former Rocky Flats workers are learning, the government is best at handing out one thing: denial.
Quiet Trails
Edited by Julie Dugdale, Photography by Tom Bol
Leave the snowmobile at home—these three hushed wilderness escapes require more silent modes of transportation. Plus, where to stay after you play.
Web Exclusive —Two Additional Quiet Trails
Edited by Julie Dugdale
5280's November issue offers up three winter escapes where no snowmobile can follow, plus cozy places to stay over when you just can't go back till tomorrow ("Quiet Trails," page 142). Here, we've found two more options to flee the city streets with snowshoes and a thermos on a cold winter day—this time in Lake and Summit counties.
From the Editor
By Dan Brogan
Atmosphere
Edited By Patrick Doyle and Cheryl Meyers
- Going Postal
- Progress Report
- Pot Politics
- That's Curious
- Books
- Adventure: Ski Touring
- Coach's Corner
- Get Involved
- Design Trends
- The Holidays are Coming
- Fashion
The Chronic Crusader
By Adam Schrager
The man behind Denver's pro-marijuana campaigns.
Best Bets
Edited by Julie Dugdale
Getaways: Stylish Stays
By Lindsey B. Koehler
Escape to one of Denver's boutique hotels for a preholiday vacation.
Profile: The Girl Next Door
By Jessica Centers
Pam Bennett's bid to change the face of Aurora politics.
Home: Splendor in the Grass
By Katy Neusteter
A straw house in Golden's foothills shows us what's next for Colorado's green movement.
Web Exclusive—Splendor in the Grass
Edited by Cheryl Meyers
Take a good look at the walls of Keith Brunel and Jules Javernick's new Golden home (page 100 in the magazine), and you might be surprised to find they're made out of straw bale and mud. Built by hand, using local labor, renewable resources, and environmentally thoughtful methods, the couple's 2,800-square-foot contemporary home isn't just green—it's natural. It may also be the future of Colorado building. Click here for a complete list of the designers and contractors who built this house. Plus, get the facts on straw bale—from how it's made to a breakdown of benefits.
Life According To...Bryan Willson
By Rachel Odell
CSU's engineer extraordinaire gives 5280 a lesson in biodiesel, the state of oil, and renewable energy in Colorado.
Dining Reviews
By Carol W. Maybach and Kazia Jankowski
Il Posto
Authenic Northern Italian in Denver.
Back for more...at Solera
A Colfax Avenue oasis gets another bite.
Recipe—Candied Spiced Walnuts
By Sky Goble, pasty chef at the Adam's Mark Hotel
In My Kitchen: Sky Goble, Adam's Mark Hotel
By Kat Valentine
Magic Ingredient: Potatoes
By Gretchen Kurtz
Here a spud, there a spud—what to do with all those varieties.
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