Sunday, June 28, 2026

The Eastern Plains Badger

Environment

CSU-backed study puts steep price tag on Republican River groundwater curtailment

A CSU-backed analysis found a basin-wide halt to groundwater pumping in Colorado’s Republican River basin could cut annual regional revenue by $656 million to $1.53 billion. The estimate adds urgency to a 2029 deadline to retire 25,000 irrigated acres in the South Fork Focus Zone.

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Energy

Colorado PUC lets Xcel rider changes take effect July 1, lowering some charges and raising others

Colorado regulators allowed several Public Service Company of Colorado rider updates to take effect by operation of law July 1, cutting demand-side management charges but increasing gas, steam and wildfire mitigation charges.

Energy

Colorado PUC sets hearing schedule in Xcel large-load tariff case

Commissioners approved an unopposed procedural calendar in Public Service Co. of Colorado’s large new-load tariff case and asked parties to address both revenues and costs for a hypothetical 300-megawatt customer when comparing rates across utilities.

Government

Colorado House ethics panel pauses Lindsay hearing to appoint counsel

The committee voted 6-0 to find an attorney for Rep. Mandy Lindsay, left the hearing without a new date and gave her a week after counsel is appointed to revise her witness list.

Government

Colorado forecast no longer projects a TABOR refund for FY 2025-26

State budget forecasters told lawmakers June 18 that improved revenue estimates put Colorado about $425 million below the TABOR cap for FY 2025-26, though a smaller refund obligation is still projected for the following year.

Health

Colorado Medicaid commission picks adviser, sharpens scrutiny of CES growth and funding gaps

After selecting State Health Governance as its technical adviser June 17, the Commission on Medicaid used applicant interviews to press unresolved questions about Child Extensive Services growth, state budget data and whether Colorado has missed federal Medicaid reimbursements.

Public Safety

Colorado regulators approve higher 911 fee for Elbert County

The monthly charge will rise from $2.25 to $3.75 starting Feb. 1, 2027, after state commission staff said Elbert County’s current 911 funding would be exhausted that year without an increase.

Government

Polis activates small Colorado National Guard cyber team for primary election security

A June 16 executive order activates four to six unarmed Colorado National Guard cyber members to assist the secretary of state through the June 30 primary.

Government

Colorado committee rejects extra $8.1 million for prison fire-protection project after cost estimate jumps

The Capitol Development Committee voted 6-0 against the Department of Corrections’ request for more money for a fire protection replacement at the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center, leaving the project short of the full funding officials said was needed to bid the job.