CDOT Running Low on Deicer

The Colorado Department of Transportation is running low on de-icer for highways because of this year's rough winter. Department spokeswoman Amy Ford says road crews now use it only if there is a serious problem. Ford says supplies are ordered on historical averages and so far this winter has seen more storms than usual. According to KCNC-TV the department is trying to make sure supplies are moved around the state to make sure all highways get treated.

Online Gambling

A group that tracks gambling-related legislation worldwide says least 10 U.S. states are considering bills to legalize or expand Internet gambling this year. The study by Gambling Compliance also finds slim chances for a national law to regulate Internet poker. It predicts a major effort by opponents of online gambling to block it in Congress.  So far, three states allow Internet gambling: New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware.  The report says proposals for new or expanded Internet betting could be considered in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 

Q Poll on Gov. Hickenlooper

A new poll shows that Gov. Hickenlooper has a comfortable lead over his potential Republican challengers but Colorado voters are divided over whether he should be re-elected.  The Quinnipiac University poll released today found that 52% of Colorado voters approve of the job Hickenlooper is doing. However, voters questioned were split 45 to 45% on whether he should get another term.
Previous surveys have shown a tight contest with his possible Republican opponents. This is the first Quinnipiac survey in which Hickenlooper's approval rating has been above 50 %.

Vilsack on Climate Change

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he's convinced the effects of climate change have already had a negative impact on agriculture and forestry in the U.S.  Vilsack cites the intensity and frequency of recent storms, plus droughts, snowstorms and subzero weather.  He says the nation must play an active role in preparing for climate change.  Vilsack spoke at the White House as the Obama administration announced it is creating seven regional hubs to help coordinate and distribute information about the effects of climate change.  The hubs will be based at Ag Department facilities, and assess local climate risks, such as drought and wildfire, then develop plans for dealing with them.

Wind Farm

The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association has signed a deal to buy power from a proposed wind farm on Colorado's Eastern Plains.  The Westminster, Colo.-based association said Wednesday that it will buy the entire output of the 150-megawatt Carousel Wind Farm near Burlington over the next 25 years.  Tri-State, which provides power to 44 rural cooperatives in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming and New Mexico, says this is its largest wind power purchase agreement to date.  Tri-State says the farm will help it meet renewable energy standards in Colorado and New Mexico but pointed out that it was already searching for a new wind farm before Colorado lawmakers doubled the standard for rural co-ops last year.