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DENVER, Colorado, US, September 20, 2006
(Refocus Weekly)
A bi-partisan coalition in Colorado has unveiled
a state energy plan that its wants candidates for elected office to
endorse.
The ‘Coalition for Colorado’s New Energy Future’ includes
agriculture, labour and environmental groups and its four-point
plan, entitled ‘The Plan for Colorado’s New Energy Future,’ was
unveiled simultaneously in three cities: Colorado Springs, Denver
and Grand Junction.
“It’s time for Coloradans to take control of our energy future,”
says campaign chair Mike Bowman. “We need an energy plan that will
make Colorado prosperous; we need to reduce dependence on foreign
oil, grow the economy, reduce people’s energy bills, and protect our
environment.”
The plan calls for Colorado to double the state’s use of green power
and green fuels, and suggests energy efficiency goals to reduce
waste and save consumers money. It also calls for more investment in
the research of new energy technologies.
“Colorado just may be the best place in the nation for renewable
energy,” says Lee Swenson of the Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union.
“Colorado has the potential to generate nearly 13 times as much
energy as we currently use, just from wind power alone.”
“Colorado doesn’t have to rely so heavily on foreign oil,” adds Mark
Sponsler of the Colorado Corn Growers. “Colorado’s farmers can grow
crops to produce affordable fuels and supply 10% of our gasoline and
diesel.”
“Colorado’s working families have been hit hardest by recent spikes
in gasoline prices and heating bills,” adds Steve Adams of the
Colorado AFL-CIO, who estimates the plan will save consumers US$1.8
billion dollars by 2015. “The Plan for Colorado’s New Energy Future
will give working families relief from high energy bills.”
The plan would add 3,700 permanent new jobs and 4,300 construction
jobs for the construction and operation of renewable energy
facilities and the installation of energy efficiency measures. It
would also reduce global warming pollution by at least 2.5
megatonnes per year while providing clean energy.
“We want those running for elected office, Colorado’s opinion
leaders and citizens to endorse the plan and show their commitment
to a clean, secure, affordable energy future,” explains campaign
chair Mike Bowman, who called on candidates to endorse the plan.
The effort follows the 2004 passage of Amendment 37, which called on
the state’s major utilities to source 10% of their power from
renewables by 2015. That level should be raised to 20% based on the
success of Xcel, Kristin Saybe of Environment Colorado added during
the news conference launching the plan.
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