The new weapons of global power are oil, rare earths and microchips

Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy, said that because it’s a political priority, the U.S. is now in a better place than it was as far as vulnerability to China for rare earths.
March 22, 2026

Climate change is already happening in Colorado. Here are 10 signs we can see right now.

Adrienne Marshall, assistant professor of geology and geological engineering, says we should expect decades of additional warming in Colorado due to climate change.
March 22, 2026

US pledges $500 million in continued push for mineral processing

Ian Lange, professor of economics and business, says the U.S. metal industry is lagging behind when it comes to producing the materials needed for batteries.
March 20, 2026

Global copper demand outstrips supply, threatening electrification and industrial growth

Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy, co-authored this column that underscores copper's importance and scarcity as the world moves to more fully electrify.
March 19, 2026

The Iran war could sap American military power for years

Research by Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy along with other Payne associates, notes the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran began with "the most intensive opening air campaign in modern history."
March 18, 2026

Could a global economy dependent on renewable energy see less war? Experts explain

Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy, said decarbonization is not a big priority for most governments.
March 17, 2026

The Pentagon is backing nuclear waste recycling for long-lasting military power sources

Jenifer Shafer, Ben L. Fryrear Presidential Chair and professor of chemistry, explains that because the U.S. previously urged allies to not recycle radioactive waste, it makes it difficult to change course and encourage recycling.
March 17, 2026

Quantum computing hub launches with $14M campus, training program

Quantum Commons in west Arvada, owned by Colorado School of Mines and operated by the Elevate Quantum consortium, held the ribbon cutting for its 13,000-square-foot commercialization lab.
March 17, 2026

The Confluence: Quantum's future may not be evenly distributed, but it's here & now in Colorado

Iris Bahar, professor and department head of computer science, discusses the growing quantum ecosystem that's taking shape in Colorado.
March 13, 2026

Managing the War Economy

A new "Months Need to Replenish Expended Weapons" table created by the Payne Institute for Public Policy is featured.
March 13, 2026

Oil prices begin to rise again amid Iran conflict

Ian Lange, professor of economics and business, says that the U.S. has limited options when it comes to moving oil around the Strait of Hormuz.
March 11, 2026

Critical Minerals Are a Tricky Business. What Could Help.

The Payne Institute for Public Policy's Brad Handler, Andrew Bauman and Morgan Bazillian co-wrote this opinion piece with Economics and Business Professor Ian Lange about the potential impacts of the U.S. government stockpiling critical minerals.
March 9, 2026