Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up with the Colorado Sun. It’s Tuesday August 31st.

 

Today - The coal-fired Martin Drake power plant in Colorado Springs has shut down coal operations. So what lies ahead for workers whose careers are becoming increasingly obsolete?

 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

 

Today, we’re taking you back to August 31st, 1885 when Elijah Myers’ plan for the Colorado State Capitol was adopted. Both practical and aesthetic needs inspired the statehouse. It would consolidate offices - making government more efficient and cheaper - while also providing a showplace for a rich young state. Construction began in 1886 and lasted 15 years.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

The coal-fired Martin Drake power plant in Colorado Springs has been both a testament to American engineering and a symbol of coal’s decline in the United States. The plant just recently shut down coal operations after decades, though natural gas operations continue. Two stories mark both coal’s departure and how the plant’s workers -- people like Chris Cox -- will move forward in the transition toward cleaner energy.

 

Sun reporter Michael Booth spent time with Cox and, in a companion piece to his unique obituary for coal-fired generation, explains what lies ahead for workers like him who had carved out a career tending to a process now increasingly obsolete. Michael sat down to talk about his reporting with Sun colleague Kevin Simpson.

 

You can read more on the shutdown of coal operations at Martin Drake power plant and employees like Chris Cox from Michael Booth at ColoradoSun.com.

 

And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

 

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold has filed a lawsuit to prevent embattled Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters from being involved in the upcoming November election. Peters has cast unfounded doubt on the results of the 2020 election and has been in hiding and under investigation since she allegedly allowed improper access to Mesa County’s election system computer hardware.

 

Health care workers at thousands of facilities in Colorado must get their first dose of coronavirus vaccine no later than Sept. 30. The state board of health voted to enact the rule in response to spike in COVID-19 cases caused by an explosion of the more contagious delta variant. The state estimates that about 30% of the health care workforce in the facilities and agencies that will be subject to the new rule remain unvaccinated. 

 

A new law that provides in-state tuition status to members of 48 tribes with historical ties to Colorado will immediately knock about $15,000 off the sticker price of the state’s colleges and universities. But the long-term impact could open up a new higher education option for many more students -- particularly in states bordering Colorado like Wyoming, where many tribes  have that historical connection. The number of Native American students enrolled in Colorado institutions has been in decline in recent years, and the in-state tuition law provides a tool to help reverse that trend. 

 

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

 

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

 

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you&rsquo;re listening to the Daily Sun-Up with the Colorado Sun. It&rsquo;s Tuesday August 31st.
&nbsp;
Today - The coal-fired Martin Drake power plant in Colorado Springs has shut down coal operations. So what lies ahead for workers whose careers are becoming increasingly obsolete?
&nbsp;
But before we begin, let&rsquo;s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett&rsquo;s book &ldquo;Colorado Day by Day&rdquo;:
&nbsp;
Today, we&rsquo;re taking you back to August 31st, 1885 when Elijah Myers&rsquo; plan for the Colorado State Capitol was adopted. Both practical and aesthetic needs inspired the statehouse. It would consolidate offices - making government more efficient and cheaper - while also providing a showplace for a rich young state. Construction began in 1886 and lasted 15 years.
&nbsp;
Now, our feature story.
&nbsp;
The coal-fired Martin Drake power plant in Colorado Springs has been both a testament to American engineering and a symbol of coal&rsquo;s decline in the United States. The plant just recently shut down coal operations after decades, though natural gas operations continue. Two stories mark both coal&rsquo;s departure and how the plant&rsquo;s workers -- people like Chris Cox -- will move forward in the transition toward cleaner energy.
&nbsp;
Sun reporter Michael Booth spent time with Cox and, in a companion piece to his unique obituary for coal-fired generation, explains what lies ahead for workers like him who had carved out a career tending to a process now increasingly obsolete. Michael sat down to talk about his reporting with Sun colleague Kevin Simpson.
&nbsp;
You can read more on the shutdown of coal operations at Martin Drake power plant and employees like Chris Cox from Michael Booth at ColoradoSun.com.
&nbsp;
And Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:
&nbsp;
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold has filed a lawsuit to prevent embattled Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters from being involved in the upcoming November election. Peters has cast unfounded doubt on the results of the 2020 election and has been in hiding and under investigation since she allegedly allowed improper access to Mesa County&rsquo;s election system computer hardware.
&nbsp;
Health care workers at thousands of facilities in Colorado must get their first dose of coronavirus vaccine no later than Sept. 30. The state board of health voted to enact the rule in response to spike in COVID-19 cases caused by an explosion of the more contagious delta variant. The state estimates that about 30% of the health care workforce in the facilities and agencies that will be subject to the new rule remain unvaccinated.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A new law that provides in-state tuition status to members of 48 tribes with historical ties to Colorado will immediately knock about $15,000 off the sticker price of the state&rsquo;s colleges and universities. But the long-term impact could open up a new higher education option for many more students -- particularly in states bordering Colorado like Wyoming, where many tribes&nbsp; have that historical connection. The number of Native American students enrolled in Colorado institutions has been in decline in recent years, and the in-state tuition law provides a tool to help reverse that trend.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don&rsquo;t forget to tune in again tomorrow.
&nbsp;
The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.
&nbsp;
Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you&rsquo;ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don&rsquo;t forget to tune in again tomorrow.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at https://coloradosun.com/.

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