A Big Break for Polluters? Plus, Pedestrian Deaths and Jon Caldara’s Poop
It’s no secret — Colorado’s air quality is suffering, and last Friday regulators approved yet another new plan to address the state’s biggest polluters. But environmentalists and critics have already spotted several loopholes that could allow companies like Suncor Energy, Molson Coors, and Cargill Meat Solutions to “pay to pollute,” as our guest today explains. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by Denver Post environmental reporter Noelle Phillips, who’s been following Colorado’s ongoing political pollution battle for years. Plus, we wrap up with our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.
Become a member of City Cast Denver today! We work hard to make this podcast every day, providing you with useful interviews and our hard-earned recs for the best of Denver. The best way to support our work is to become a member today for as little as $8/month. Plus, you’ll get an ad-free feed to enjoy as our way of saying thanks. Learn more and sign up today at membership.citycast.fm.
Paul mentioned his 2021 interview with Rep. Joe Neguse about the new Climate Corps, as well as cottonwoods and bald eagles at Barr Lake. Bree mentioned Jon Caldara’s poop obsession and Cervantes’ new artist-friendly merch policy. Noelle talked about her work with the Denver Newspaper Guild and pedestrian deaths.
What do you think should be done about Suncor? We want to hear from you. Would you pay an extra dollar per gallon if it meant Suncor stopped polluting? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your response on the show: 720-500-5418
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
A New Owner Bought Park Hill's Most Notorious Strip Mall. Is Gentrification Coming Next?
A grocery store or a bar? This is the question at the center of the future of The Holly, a shopping center in Northeast Park Hill. The ge...

The Spicy Story Behind One of Denver's Most Famous Green Chiles
Green chile is a staple of Colorado cuisine – both the pepper itself and the spicy, soupy stew used to smother everything from burritos a...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Denver
Would Denver be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and...

Could City Workers Get A Raise? Plus, New Buyers for The Mercury Cafe, and Another Bear Attack
The Mercury Cafe is back! Again! This time around, the buyers are asking the community what they want from this legendary space before mo...

Denver’s Shining Star Chefs, Burrito Haters, and Is Downtown a Convention Destination?
Denver chefs and restaurateurs celebrated this week when both the Michelin Guide announced its 2026 winners and the New York Times droppe...

Young Coloradans Really Dislike AI and More Takeaways From a New Poll
A new poll out this week says Coloradans have strong feelings about AI and data centers, offering an interesting look at how age, politic...

Downtown's Ups and Downs, Liquor License Losers, and Mesa Verde's Massive Repatriation
Thirty-six years after the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Mesa Verde National Park is returning m...

Will Denverites Move Downtown For This Developer's Utopian Dream?
While office vacancies remain high downtown, one developer thinks this excess of commercial real estate could be better used as housing....

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat — Presented By City Cast Denver
It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Denver, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzl...

Anti-Trans Hysteria Coming to Your Ballots, Victor Marx's AI Fail, and No Comedy Fest This Year
Ballots will be in the mail in less than a month, and there are a lot of initiatives for voters to consider – including Proposition 134,...

