GOVERNOR RITTER CONGRATULATES HOUSE FOR TAKING DECISIVE ACTION ON ENERGY, URGES SENATE TO SUPPORT NATIONAL RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY STANDARD

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter today congratulated the US House of Representatives for passing an energy bill that includes provisions for clean energy, and urged the Senate to follow suit and to support a national renewable electricity standard (RES).  Colorado is one of 25 states that require a portion of its energy supply to come from renewable sources, which has spurred economic development in wind, solar, and biofuels, especially in rural parts of the state.

“In Colorado, we call it the New Energy Economy,” said Gov. Ritter.  “Our statewide renewable energy portfolio of 20% has attracted new industries and created new jobs in Colorado. It’s good for our economy, good for our environment, and good for protecting energy security here at home.”

In 2004, Colorado voters passed Amendment 37, which established a statewide renewable energy portfolio standard of 10% by 2015.  That threshold was met two weeks ago – eight years ahead of schedule.  This spring, Governor Ritter signed a bill that doubled that standard to 20% by 2020.

Today, the Western Governors, chaired by Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D-WY) and vice-chaired by Gov. Jon  Huntsman (R-UT) released a letter to the House and Senate Majority and Minority leadership urging Congress to move “quickly and decisively” on energy legislation.

The letter states, “We strongly believe that a clean, diverse, reliable, and affordable energy supply that moves us toward greater energy security is among the highest of our nation’s priorities…we need coordinated action at all levels of government in order to succeed.”

Governor Ritter has joined other governors to support a renewable electricity standard (RES), increased fuel economy standards and critical energy efficiency measures.  This includes signing a Dec. 5 letter with Gov. Rell (R-CT), Gov. Baldacci (D-ME), Gov. Corzine (D-NJ), and Gov. Rendell (D-PA), as well as an Oct. 30 letterto Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid with Gov. Gregoire (D-WA), Gov. Richardson (D-NM) and Gov. Kulongoski (D-OR).

For More Information:
Laura K. Chapin, 303.866.6386
Evan Dreyer, 720.350-8370