The motivation for this briefing is to examine the large inhomogeneity (step shift) in the observed temperature record at the SNOw TELemetry (SNOTEL) stations in the Intermountain West--Colorado, Utah and Wyoming--and its implications for climate, hydrology and ecological research in the region. This issue impacts the entire SNOTEL network across the 11 Western states.
The purpose of this issue brief is to summarize key contemporary challenges for Colorado's meat value chains as experienced by consumers, producers, and mid-scale to small processors. Additionally, this brief identifies several potential policy opportunities to support the continued growth, improvement, and innovation of these meat value chains.
As one of the Nation's most abundant and in-demand energy sources, natural gas has also been one of the most debated fuel sources in state legislatures in 2013 legislative session. Driven by enhanced recovery techniques that increase the cost effectiveness of developing stranded and unconventional reserves, gross domestic withdrawals and production hit record levels in 2012. Correspondingly, prices have fallen from a high of over $14 in 2008 to $4 per MMBtu in 2013. the replacement of utility coal-fired generation with natural gas in recent years is a transition driven by cost competitiveness and heightened concerns over current and future emissions standards.
