Colorado is set to lose $500 million in federal dollars to address climate change after the Trump administration announced this week the cancellation of "funding to fuel the Left's climate agenda."

Why it matters: Rescinding the grants is aimed at gutting the Colorado Energy Office.

• The Polis administration needs the money to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gas pollution.

The big picture: The directive from White House budget chief Russ Vought and the Energy Department — led by Denver energy company executive Chris Wright — specifically targets 223 projects in 16 Democratic states.

Zoom in: In Colorado, at least 34 projects worth more than a half-billion dollars are being canceled. That includes money awarded to the state's energy office, universities and energy companies, Colorado officials said.

• The energy office will lose $5 million in funds designed to help residents and businesses reduce their carbon footprint to meet modern building codes.
• Other grants were set aside for oil and gas methane reduction projects, electrical grid resilience and subsidies for low-income communities.

What they're saying: The federal energy agency "determined that these projects did not adequately advance the nation's energy needs, were not economically viable, and would not provide a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars," it wrote in a statement.

The other side: U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat, told reporters Wednesday that the administration's efforts are "an unconstitutional exercise of power by the administration" and part of a troubling trend that "targets specific states for politics."

What we're watching: In other areas, the Polis administration is stepping up to help keep climate initiatives alive.

• The state is increasing subsidies for low-income buyers of electric vehicles to $9,000, up from $6,000, when an old gasoline car is exchanged.
• It comes after a $7,500 federal tax credit was canceled as part of President Trump's "big, beautiful bill."

Share this story

Colorado's energy-related CO2 emissions per capita dropped 33% from 2005 to 2023 — outpacing the U.S. average of 30%, per federal data.

Why it matters: Colorado has made gains in cutting emissions to curb climate change.

What they're saying: "We will continue to pursue ambitious climate goals, grounded in the best science," Michael Ogletree, the senior director of state air quality programs, told Axios Denver.

State of play: Democratic Gov. Jared Polis is pushing for more than 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The big picture: Emissions fell in all 50 states between 2005 to 2023, largely from burning less coal, while wind and solar added momentum.

Yes, but: The Trump administration's pro-coal, anti-renewables agenda — including this week's clean energy cuts hitting Colorado — could undercut that progress.

What's next: The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects emissions to rise 1% this year, fueled by surging demand from data centers and heavy industry.

More data

Denver streets are proving especially dangerous for pedestrians this year.

The big picture: 25 pedestrians died as of Sept. 30, a 50% spike compared to the same span last year, Denver transportation director Amy Ford said yesterday.

• Ford joined the state Department of Transportation (CDOT) and RTD for a press conference highlighting the increase during National Pedestrian Safety Month.

Why it matters: More people in Denver are dying from walking on city streets than any other way — including people inside cars, a category that typically leads in fatal crashes.

What they're saying: "It is too much, and we cannot continue it," Ford said.

State of play: City and transit leaders want drivers to slow down and focus on the road, especially as the days get darker earlier, worsening conditions for pedestrians.

• Fall often coincides with a jump in pedestrian deaths, CDOT chief of staff Sally Chafee said.

Case in point: Last October was the deadliest month on record, per Chafee, with 17 pedestrians killed across the state.

Keep reading

✨ Four Taylor Swift-inspired installations are displayed along 16th Street to mark her album debut today. Two sit between Champa and Stout streets, and two more are between Stout and California streets, Alayna reports.

📚 Colorado residents can now get free access to 300 banned and controversial books and documents delivered to their cellphones, thanks to an initiative from Anything Libraries. (CPR)

🚩 A federal grand jury indicted two Denver metro companies and their executives for allegedly conspiring to import foreign-made forklifts, claim they were made in the U.S. to avoid tariffs, and then sell them to the federal government. (CBS Colorado)

🧣 A cold front arriving this weekend will send low temperatures into the 40s, but not low enough to count as our first frost of the season, which is behind schedule. (9News)

🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Boos & Brews 5k at Number Thirty Eight on Oct 25: Run, walk, or jog a fun 5k-ish course, then celebrate with a craft brew, costume contest, live music, games, prizes, and trick-or-treating. Costumes encouraged; all fitness levels welcome. $0-$62.83.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

Join us Tuesday for a deep dive into Denver's November ballot.

The big picture: We'll sit down with Mayor Mike Johnston to talk about his $950 million bond package — the largest in city history. An audience Q&A will follow.

• Afterward, hear from a panel of policy experts and community members, who will break down this year's most consequential ballot measures.

If you go: The event is free and open to the public. RSVP here.

• It will be held at 6pm Tuesday, Oct. 7 at The Scrivner Institute of Public Policy at the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs (2201 S. Gaylord St.)
• 🍷 Your first drink is on us!