Changes

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 turned out to oppose the plant at a rally before the meeting. About 50 people 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>

===November 18, 2009: Demonstrators protest Cherokee and Valmont Stations: Denver, CO===

Protesters dressed as clowns visited Colorado Governor Ritter's office to urge him to "stop clowning around when it comes to confronting global warming." Environmental groups are opposed to [[Xcel Energy|Xcel Energy's]] request to renew expired permits at its [[Cherokee Station|Cherokee]] and Valmont Stations and want the state to pursue clean energy options instead. New research has shown that nitrogen oxide emissions are clouding lakes, changing lake biology, and threatening the aquatic life in the Colorado mountains.<ref>Bruce Finley, [http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13819745 "Protesters want Colorado to 'stop clowning around' on clean air,"] ''Denver Post,'' November 19, 2009.</ref>