COLORADO CHOOSES A NEW ENERGY FUTURE

Advancing Colorado's New Energy Economy
Governor Bill Ritter Jr., March 11, 2010 (Denver Post)

"Congratulations to the state legislature for giving final approval…to landmark legislation that keeps Colorado at the epicenter of America's New Energy Economy and once again demonstrates how we are transforming the country's energy, economic and environmental future.

"House Bill 1001 requires our largest utility companies to generate 30 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020…Our new 30 percent standard will be the best in the Rocky Mountain West and one of the highest nationally…[I]t will continue to position Colorado as a national pace-setter for creating jobs, strengthening our economy and protecting our environment…We are leading America toward a clean energy future by strengthening our ability to compete nationally and internationally for service and manufacturing jobs. We are spurring new innovations and new energy technologies. We are moving closer to energy independence by expanding homegrown energy supplies. And we are ensuring stable, reliable, sustainable and affordable energy for all Coloradans."

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"HB 1001 is just the latest step in our ambitious efforts to build a New Energy Economy here in Colorado…[It] has attracted companies like Vestas, the world's largest manufacturer of wind turbines, and SMA Solar, one of the world's leading producers of solar inverters… adding up to 3,200 Colorado jobs…Innovative companies like Solix Biofuels and Abound Solar…Ascent Solar, Siemens Wind, RePower, SunRun and Solar City are providing new opportunities, strengthening communities and changing the state's economic landscape.

"We've also linked Colorado State University, the University of Colorado, and the Colorado School of Mines to form a unique "collaboratory" with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden…Colorado is now home to the best energy research corridor in the world."

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"With Xcel Energy's support, HB 1001 will allow us to advance this New Energy Economy, in large part by expanding the use of distributed or local renewable energy such as rooftop solar…[with] at least 100,000 additional solar rooftops over the next decade…[and without the] need [for] expensive, long-range transmission systems…HB 1001 will also allow for opportunities such as hydropower from irrigation ditches, wind-power and biomass from beetle-kill trees.

"The legislation…will not increase costs to consumers… In fact…we have seen prices come down in renewable energy…Colorado's New Energy Economy has been our brightest light…With the passage of HB 1001, this sector will only grow stronger and stronger…My thanks to Reps. Max Tyler and Jack Pommer and Sens. Gail Schwartz and Bruce Whitehead for sponsoring…I salute the dedication and commitment of all lawmakers who support the expanded use of renewable resources…The New Energy Economy will be a lasting legacy to our children and the children of generations to come."