The Camera picked up on one key aspect of the city's summary of this data: CU Boulder's decision to switch from generating much of its own power by burning natural gas to buying electricity from Xcel Energy (whose power plants rely mainly on coal) ended up increasing Boulder's overall emissions by about 4%.

I've seen emissions inventories before, and I know that lots of stories lurk in those numbers. The same day the Camera story appeared, I requested the complete emissions inventory (not just a summary) from the city.

It turns out that even thought the emissions inventory is a matter of public record, the city doesn't want to release it because the "inventory maintenance system" (which, I believe, is the software created by consulting firm Econergy to present the data) is proprietary. Which is like saying they can't give me paper files because the filing cabinets and folder labels are proprietary.

It's going to take more work just to get the emissions data, and I may have to file a formal request under Colorado's open records law -- a hassle for everyone, but it is an option.

Boulder environmental affairs director Sarah Van Pelt did provide some summary data ( GHG inventoryinventory comparison). and That's a start, and I'm trying to work with the city to get access to the actual emissions inventory. I know from experience that you learn best what questions to ask once you see how the data is structured and presented.

For now, Van Pelt has offered to consult the emissions database to answer specific questions. That's a little bit like flying blind, but it's a start.

In the meantime, I'm drafting up a list of questions for Van Pelt. What would you like to know about Boulder's CO2 emissions? Please comment below or e-mail me at amy@gahran.com. Thanks!