Changes

Xcel and the City of Boulder are in negotiations to renew the plantValmont Station's contract with the city. The agreement must be renewed every five years and is slated to expire in August 2010.<ref>[http://www.coloradodaily.com/news/2009/jun/03/boulder-xcel-franchise-negotiations/ "Xcel franchise negotiations likely to drag into next year,"] ''Colorado Daily,'' June 3, 2009.</ref> Many Boulder residents are pushing for the plant to stop burning coal either shut down entirely or convert to cleaner energy.<ref>Judith Mohling, [http://www.coloradodaily.com/news/2009/jun/11/convert-valmont-plant-to-clean-energy/ "Peace Train: Convert Valmont plant to clean energy,"] ''Colorado Daily,'' July 11, 2009.</ref><ref>Anne Butterfield, [http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/jul/12/selfishly-seeking-clean-energy/ "Selfishly seeking clean energy,"] ''Daily Camera,'' July 12, 2009.</ref>

On July 14, 2009, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission held a hearing to solicit public comment on renewing the plant's permit. More than 200 people attended, and about 50 of them addressed the Commission, asking its members to deny the permit because the plant emits more than 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.<ref>[http://www.coloradodaily.com/news/2009/jul/14/boulder-valmont-power-plant-air-permit-hearing/"Public packs Valmont power plant hearing,"] ''Colorado Daily,'' July 14, 2009.</ref>