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DENVER, Colorado, US, November 1, 2006
(Refocus Weekly)
Residents of Colorado support the use of more
renewable energy, and the issue is expected to play an important
role in upcoming elections.
A strong majority of democrats, republicans and independents in
the state support the goals of the Coalition for Colorado's New
Energy Future. Of 800 voters polled in late September, 79% support
increasing the use of renewable energy to 20% by 2015. Another 74%
support establishing a renewable fuels standard where 10% of
transportation fuels come from biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol by
2015, while 81% support creating incentives for utilities to reduce
electricity and natural gas use 10% by 2015 through energy
efficiency programs.
“This poll shows Coloradans support real action on energy issues and
The Plan for Colorado’s New Energy Future,” says coalition chairman
Mike Bowman. “How we produce and use energy is incredibly important
for everything from keeping our farms working to improving national
security to cleaning-up our air.”
The coalition includes agricultural, labour and conservation groups.
The poll was commissioned from Benenson Strategy Group of New York.
The group wants to reduce dependence on foreign oil by requiring a
certain amount of green fuels and green power, to create incentives
for utilities to support energy efficiency and more money spent on
research of new energy technologies.
“Support in Colorado is consistent with what we’re seeing around the
country,” adds Pete Brodnitz of Benenson Strategy Group, who
considers the poll to be part of a larger national trend where
voters are looking to candidates for clean energy solutions. “Voters
want to see aggressive action to develop clean energy solutions and
reduce dependence on oil.”
In Colorado, both republican candidate Bob Beauprez and democratic
candidate Bill Ritter have spoken publicly on clean energy
development and have policy positions listed on their websites.
“Energy solutions cut across party lines, and many candidates have
been working to get out in front on this issue,” explains Lori
Weigel of Public Opinion Strategies, the largest republican polling
firm in the U.S. “Because energy is often perceived as both a
national security and economic issue, candidates must be ready to
talk about energy in their races.”
The Coalition was involved in Amendment 37, the renewable energy
initiative passed by Colorado voters in 2004. That RPS is on track
to source 10% of electricity from renewables by 2008, seven years
earlier than the 2015 deadline.
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