Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure like the electrical grid are increasing as advanced technology becomes more integrated into how energy systems operate. This issue brief provides an overview of critical infrastructure, discusses a 2019 cyber attack on the U.S. electrical grid, and summarizes state and federal legislation addressing security for critical infrastructure.
The use of carbon-free energy sources, or energy sources that emit minimal to no greenhouse gases (GHGs) to produce electricity, is increasing. Nuclear energy, which is a carbon-free energy source, already accounts for about 20 percent of the electricity generated in the United States, but there are concerns about its potentially harmful health and environmental impacts. This issue brief provides an overview of nuclear energy, its history in Colorado, public health and safety concerns, and recent technology advancements.
This issue brief provides an overview of consumer data privacy, describes applicable federal laws, and summarizes recent state legislation proposed to strengthen consumer data privacy laws.
This issue brief describes single-use plastics, current Colorado law, proposed legislation in Colorado that would have addressed single-use plastics, and other states that have enacted single-use plastics legislation.
This issue brief discusses the history of blockchain technology, its current and future applications, and recently proposed Colorado legislation related to this technology.
