Author – The Durango Herald

West’s utilities abandon coal because it costs too much

“It’s all about the economics,” the expert said. “Technologies have improved to make other forms of energy less expensive than coal.” One might figure sure, that’s some tree-hugg...

DATE: Jun 16, 2017 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

A challenge to our national monuments: Will the Lords of Yesterday prevail?

We’re in uncharted waters. A presidential administration just launched an overarching attack on more than 11 million acres of previously protected landscapes. The Trump administr...

DATE: May 18, 2017 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

Showing up is what gets the work done

This being the last column I have the privilege to write for The Durango Herald, there’s a certain pressure I feel to pen a magnum opus of sorts. Let me pour some cold water on th...

DATE: Apr 14, 2017 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

BLM office refuses to share public comments about heli-skiing in Silverton

News flash: The Dalai Lama, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, just weighed in on the proposed expansion of heli-ski terrain around Silverton. Really? Truth be told, no. But have you ev...

DATE: Mar 15, 2017 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

Regulation or protection? Framing of methane rule counts

Do you know the name George Lakoff? If you don’t, you should. George Lakoff is a professor of cognitive science and linguistics at the University of California at Berkeley and an...

DATE: Feb 16, 2017 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

Hope doesn’t create change, action does

On Friday, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as our nation’s 45th president. Here’s an odd thought: What if President Trump is exactly what America needs? How, you may...

DATE: Jan 18, 2017 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

As political winds shift, goals of San Juan Citizens Alliance remain same

Of the many emails we’ve received at San Juan Citizens Alliance, this may be the oddest. “I see that you are not on board with our President elect. Please remove us from your mail...

DATE: Dec 14, 2016 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

An antidote to the Trump movement: Greater security for all

Here’s a question for you. Can I call President-elect Donald Trump out as a dangerously uninformed and unprincipled bigot without alienating his supporters? Better ques...

DATE: Nov 16, 2016 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

In this dark political season, reasons for hope

In the past week, I have had the opportunity to speak with some truly inspiring people, and get this: a few were politicians. I know, sounds improbable, right? This election seaso...

DATE: Oct 19, 2016 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

You can help build momentum for clean power alternatives

As the father of a 3-year-old boy, I’ve become an expert on the topic of momentum. You see, my little guy has yet to cross paths with a hill he doesn’t want to race down. Grassy,...

DATE: Sep 14, 2016 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

Oil, gas industry can’t counter NASA study on methane hot spot

The oil and gas industry is awfully, dangerously, predictable. This week, in response to NASA fingering oil and gas operations as the primary cause of the infamous Four Corners me...

DATE: Aug 17, 2016 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

Collaboration key in fighting fires in the West

It’s summer, it’s hot and dry, and forest fires will burn. Here’s the kicker: That may be a good thing. To unpack this claim, let’s look at two things legions of politicians and ...

DATE: Jul 20, 2016 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green