Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll look at polling data that shows how voters in the Mountain West feel about climate issues. And, we’ll learn about the weather modification process called "cloud seeding." We will also hear about how one county is working to separate firearms from people accused of domestic violence, and we will look at a vaccine bill that is up for debate in the Capitol.
State Of The Rockies
Voting centers are now open for Colorado’s presidential primary. The centers will close at 7 p.m. on Super Tuesday, March 3.
A new poll gives us a sense of Colorado voters’ priorities ahead of that election. The 10th annual Colorado College State of the Rockies Project "Conservation in the West" poll shows the attitude of voters in the Mountain West as they relate to public lands and climate change.
Corina McKendryis the director of the State of the Rockies Project and an associate professor of Political Science at Colorado College. She joined us to explain what we can learn from the polling data.
Does Cloud Seeding Work?
Colorado is currently on track to see one of the snowiest Februaries on record, and in winters like this one it’s easy to forget about the risk of drought. But climate change is already reducing the amount of water available in the West’s sprawling Colorado River basin. A new study by federal scientists finds that even moderate warming will reduce river flows in the watershed.
Millions of people in seven U.S. states, including Colorado, depend on the Colorado River for drinking and irrigation water.
But, what if we told you that scientists could manufacture snow? Not the way that ski slopes do, but in the sky?
A new study released Monday sheds light on the weather modification practice of cloud seeding.
KUNC’s Luke Runyon, who reports on the Colorado River Basin, explained.
Firearms And Domestic Violence
Domestic violence offenders generally aren’t allowed to possess firearms. Yet in many states, ensuring that they surrender their guns is a difficult process. A new investigator in the Denver District Attorney’s office in Colorado is trying to change that by removing guns, case by case.
For Guns & America, KUNC’s Leigh Patersonreports.
School Immunization Requirement Bill
Hundreds of people crowded the state Capitol last Wednesday to testify on a bill that would change the requirements for getting exemptions for vaccines in our state.
The bill passed through its first hearing in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on a party line vote, and it will go to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.
Jennifer Brown from The Colorado Sun joined us with more.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions:
- “A Rush of Clear Water” by Glacier Quartet - Araby
- “Winter Theme” by Glacier Quartet
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. Managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.