Study says states can legalize marijuana despite federal ban

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Bob Berwyn
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How will the federal government respond to state legalization of marijuana?

Congressional Research Service analyzes various legal options for state and federal governments

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — With several pending bills in Congress aimed at clarifying the role of state governments in regulating marijuana, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service recently took a swing at the issue, releasing a legal analysis aimed at helping lawmakers understand the ramifications of the proposed laws.

The analysis found that that there may some wiggle room when it comes to interpreting the Controlled Substances Act, which makes marijuana illegal under federal law. (more…)

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U.S. Rep. Jared Polis co-sponsors bills to regulate fracking

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Bob Berwyn
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U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO).

BREATHE and FRESHER acts would close significant clean air and water loopholes

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — Saying that the rapid expansion of fracking in Colorado has outpaced the ability of state regulators to monitor health and environmental impacts, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO.) is calling for federal legislation to protect the safety and the health of the communities where the hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, process is already taking place.

“New technologies have led to the rapid development of hydraulic fracturing in Colorado and Pennsylvania before community members could fully understand the potential health, safety, and quality of life implications of drilling in their neighborhood,” Polis said, explaining that two new related laws would make sure that fracking is not exempt from the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act simply because fracking was not prevalent when these laws were initially written. (more…)

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Does renewable energy permitting need streamlining?

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Bob Berwyn

House bill could put renewable energy on equal footing with fossil fuels

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Will Congress consider a renewable energy development bill this session? Photo courtesy BLM.

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — On the heels of a do-nothing obstructionist Congress, it’s hard to say whether any public lands bills will get a fair committee hearing during the current session, but that hasn’t stopped U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) from taking a shot a promoting renewable energy on BLM lands.

Along with nine co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle, Polis is promoting renewable energy development act that would streamline the process for leasing public lands for solar and other renewable energy projects. (more…)

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Will Congress act on marijuana legalization?

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Bob Berwyn

Proposed legislation would empower states, create tax framework

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Colorado’s burgeoning medical marijuana industry still operates in a gray area between state and federal laws.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Saying that the power to unravel the marijuana mess lies with Congress, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) and U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) this week introduced measures that would de-federalize marijuana policy and create a framework for the federal taxation of cannabis.

To provide context for the legislation, the lawmakers released a report that outlines the history of what they called the failed war on marijuana and explains that more than 100 million Americans live in jurisdictions where governments and voters have decided that some aspect of marijuana should be legally permitted. (more…)

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Colorado lawmakers ask feds to back off on marijuana

Posted on November 17, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Congressional delegation readies bill that would exempt Colorado from federal Controlled Substances Act

Will Colorado and the federal government find common ground?

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — Federal enforcement actions in Colorado against individuals for possession of marijuana would be a bad idea, Democratic Congressman Jared Polis said Friday.

Along with 15 other Democratic congressmen, Polis sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and DEA chief Michele Leonhart, urging the federal government to take no action against anyone who acts in compliance with the laws of Colorado, Washington and any other states that choose to regulate access to marijuana. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, politics | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Plans to increase gas exports brings new fracking worries

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

A fracking pump.

Lawmakers urge caution and studies before approving massive exports of liquid natural gas

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — As the energy industry looks to boost sagging natural gas prices by exporting the resource overseas, a group of lawmakers, including Rep. Jared Polis, is asking the U.S. Department of Energy to take a close look at the potential impacts of those export plans.

In a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Polis and Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) said they are concerned that increasing exports would lead to more  hydraulic fracturing, threatening public health and impacting jobs. (more…)

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Polis, DeGette to speak at Democratic convention

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Colorado once again a key swing state

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette

U.S. Rep. Jared Polis.

By Bob Berwyn

FRISCO —During a convention that will probably spend a lot of time trying to solidify the diverse Democratic political base, will feature an early speech by Congressman Jared Polis making a plea for unity and inclusiveness — as well as a new Democratic majority in Congress.

“Diversity is part of America’s strength, but so is the fact that we are all, first and foremost, Americans who believe that if you play by the rules and work hard, you can get ahead and succeed,” said Polis, who represents Summit County citizens as part of his district.

Congresswoman Diana DeGette is also scheduled to speak.

“My message to the convention will be that we must heal divisions–not exploit them for political gain, and unite behind the common goal of strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and forging a better future for ourselves and our families.”

The Polis speech is set for Sept. 4 between 5:45 and 6:30 p.m.

In early proceedings the Hispanic caucus met Monday, with 800 delegates gathered, by some accounts the largest Latino presence at any convention.

A high turnout among Latino voters could be crucial in tipping a few swing states in Obama’s favor, including Colorado.

Illinois State Senator Iris Martinez said the caucus is focused on making that “no Latino stays home on Election Day.”

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U.S. House strips oil shale subsidy by one vote

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

U.S. House strips a $25 million subsidy for oil shale research from a federal budget bill.

Congressman Jared Polis leads efforts to redirect funds toward budget deficit reduction

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Wednesday’s vote by the U.S. House to remove a federal $25 million subsidy for oil shale research probably won’t end the dream of developing vast quantities of fossil fuel in northwestern Colorado, but it may give some energy companies reason to pause before they put their own money on the line.

The subsidy was stripped away from an energy and water appropriations bill in a 208-207 vote after Colorado Democrat Jared Polis offered an amendment to redirect the funds toward deficit reduction.

The bill still has to go through the Senate, said Western Resource Advocates’ David Abelson.

“Historically, everybody who has invested in this has lost money,” Abelson said, adding that he doesn’t think that energy companies will end their development efforts.

“There are deep pockets and large multinational corporations involved in this research and they need to stand on their own in this,” he said.

“We shouldn’t be throwing good money after bad on oil shale research that won’t produce energy for the foreseeable future,” Polis said. “Dumping another $25 million of taxpayer money into oil shale research makes no sense when there isn’t commercially viable technology that will turn it into oil and many energy companies consider it such a low priority.” (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, energy, Environment, oil shale | Tagged: , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Rep. Polis tries to trim wasteful defense spending

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Congressman Jared Polis.

Congressman says cuts would have been in line with GAO recommendations on dysfunctional missile defense system

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Instead of cutting social programs or budgets for public land management agencies, Congressman Jared Polis (D-Colo.) sought to take a $403 million bite out of the budget deficit by slicing funding for a non-functioning missile defense program — as recommended by the Government Accountability Office.

“As we make tough choices to balance the budget, a missile defense program that can’t seem to hit its targets is a good target to achieve savings for taxpayers,” Polis said. “In a time of large deficits and increasing debt, Congress should have to justify every penny it spends to the taxpayers, and there just isn’t any justification for spending an additional $400 million on a weapons program that doesn’t work.” (more…)

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Colorado: Sen. Udall joins push for new wilderness

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Protected areas touted as driver of recreation economy

Summer in the Eagles Nest Wilderness.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — A slew of wilderness proposals for lands in Summit and Eagle counties that have been stuck in a gridlocked, do-nothing U.S. House of Representatives could gain traction in the Senate, where Mark Udall says he will introduce a wilderness bill once he’s taken input from local communities and other stakeholders.

“Starting today, I am kicking off a collaborative, community-driven process to listen to the community and create legislation to protect Colorado’s outdoor heritage in two very special places in our state – the Central Mountains and the Arkansas River Canyon,” Udall wrote on his blog. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, economy, Environment, Hidden Gems wilderness, public lands, US Forest Service | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

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