Colorado's conservation policies earned a top ranking among western states.
The Denver-based Center for Western Priorities ranked state policies in three categories. Colorado earned top marks for responsible energy development and outdoor recreation and was second-best to Montana in the public lands category.
Colorado far outpaced other western states in the energy rankings. The Center cited the state’s methane waste laws as a model for others to follow. Colorado also requires transparent reporting of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.
Gov. John Hickenlooper set goals this past summer for increasing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Colorado also scored well for its focus on outdoor recreation, a multi-billion dollar industry. But the state has room for growth in allowing access to public lands, especially along rivers and streams.
