The long-awaited CORA bill that wasn't, water turbines in canals, and giving credit to Polis where it's due.
The long-awaited CORA bill that wasn't.
I've posted in the past (and have written an op ed against), a proposed bill by Sen Hansen that would have changed CORA to have the government define what journalism is and favor some groups over others is out.
And I'm happy to report that the parts of the bill I found particularly onerous (the government defining journalism, the differing rules about prices and timelines for different groups) are gone.
The actual bill language is a rough mix of updates and some minor fixes. I would say that there's still plenty of room to improve and farther to go, but this one is a start.
More details in the CFOIC article linked first below and you can track progress (if you've a mind to) in the bill page linked second.
https://coloradofoic.org/no-cost-relief-for-records-requesters-in-cora-bill-introduced-in-colorado-senate/
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-286
Water turbines in canals?
I'm open. I am naturally skeptical of the goggle-eyed amazement that reports writing about these things seem to have, but I'm open.
In a basic physics sense, the things that control the energy output of any blade that spins in a fluid are the density of the fluid, its speed (very highly dependent here because it goes as the third power), the cross sectional area of the turbine, and the efficiency of the blades of the turbine.
Compared to a dam, a canal is going to lose out on at least two of those things, but if you're not expecting giant power from a canal turbine (and I don't think anyone is if you read the article below) then they might be a way to get some carbon-free hydropower into the grid without the usual knock-down, drag-out fight over bigger hydro projects like dams create.
We just need to temper our expectations properly and go slowly when we investigate them. They hold PROMISE and not THE KEY to our future.
One last thing, I would love it if a farmer or rancher who uses canal water would chime in with your thoughts here. In particular, would a slower water speed out of a ditch in some way affect your ability to use the water?
If you feel like it, please add to the comments!
https://www.cpr.org/2023/04/14/mini-hydro-company-raises-18m-to-generate-power-in-canals/
Posted in the interest of balance and fairness.
One thing I saw a lot of after the last election was the theory that Gov Polis, seeking the Presidency and wanting to appear middle of the road to appeal to a broader constituency, would act as a brake or a check on the ultra-progressive tendencies of the Assembly.
I would not grade him highly on this score myself, but people differ in their opinions on this. I could see someone who is much more liberal/progressive than me viewing what Polis has done up until now as kowtowing to conservatives.
I think it's good to take note of things when you're wrong, and so that's why I wanted to share the article below.
Polis hasn't stepped in too much so far this Assembly session (not in public anyway); I can count the examples I'm aware of on one hand, but he did step in on a bill that would have been hostile to oil and gas exploration to make it less onerous.
Wish he'd do it more, wish he'd be more centrist when he does, but it's important to note the times he does. Presented below in that spirit.
https://www.denverpost.com/2023/04/21/colorado-oil-and-gas-permitting-bill-revised-legislature/