North Fork Methane Initiative Earns $80,000 DOE Prize

The Colorado Farm & Food Alliance, in collaboration with Switchback Restoration, has secured $80,000 in Department of Energy funding for a groundbreaking initiative in the North Fork Valley. Their project targets the elimination of methane emissions from a former coal mine while repurposing byproducts for beneficial use, earning them recognition as one of only 28 national winners in the DOE's SOLVE IT Prize. This innovative effort not only mitigates climate harm but also fosters community-driven clean-energy solutions, setting a precedent for rural sustainability and economic resilience. With plans for on-site heat utilization, habitat restoration, and even potential solar integration, the initiative showcases the potential for environmental stewardship to catalyze job creation and food system resilience in rural areas. Read the article here.