Today,
the Coalition for Colorado’s New Energy Future, a bi-partisan coalition
of agricultural, labor, and environmental groups unveiled a
comprehensive state energy plan in three cities: Colorado Springs,
Denver, and Grand Junction. The Coalition called on candidates for
elected office to endorse the plan.
“It’s time for Coloradans to take control of our energy future,” said
campaign chairman Mike Bowman, a farmer from Wray, Colorado. “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 four point plan, entitled The Plan for Colorado’s New Energy Future,
calls for Colorado to double the state’s use of renewable energy such
as wind and solar power and double the use of renewable fuels like
ethanol and biodiesel. The plan also sets energy efficiency goals to
reduce waste and save consumers money and advocates increasing
investment in the research and development of new energy technologies.
The
Coalition for a New Energy Future emphasized that the goals of the plan
are bold but achievable. “ Colorado just may be the best place in the
nation for renewable energy. Colorado has the potential to generate
nearly 13 times as much energy as we currently use, just from wind
power alone,” said Lee Swenson, Executive Director of the Rocky
Mountain Farmer’s Union.
Mark
Sponsler, the Acting Executive Director of the Colorado Corn Growers
added, “ Colorado doesn’t have to rely so heavily on foreign oil.
Colorado has an alternative – Colorado’s farmers can grow crops to
produce affordable fuels and supply 10% of our gasoline and diesel.”
Representatives
from labor organizations identified significant economic and job
creation benefits from the plan. Steve Adams, President of the Colorado
AFL-CIO says the plan will save Colorado consumers 1.8 billion dollars
by 2015. “ Colorado’s working families have been hit hardest by recent
spikes in gasoline prices and heating bills,” said Adams. “The Plan for
Colorado’s New Energy Future will give working families relief from
high energy bills.”
Neal
Hall, Business Manager of the Colorado Building and Construction Trades
Council, said the plan will add 3,700 permanent new jobs and 4,300
construction jobs for the construction and operation of renewable
energy facilities and for the installation of energy efficiency
measures. “Our Plan for a New Energy Future will directly create
thousands of good new jobs for Coloradans.”
The
coalition also identified several environmental benefits from the new
plan. Will Coyne, Program Director for Environment Colorado said, “the
burning of fossil fuels to create energy is the number one source of
pollution on the planet. Our plan will reduce global warming pollution
by at least 2.5 million tons per year while still providing clean,
affordable energy.”
Campaign
Chairman Mike Bowman called on candidates to endorse the plan, “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,” added Bowman.
For more information on energy efficiency:
Mark Ruzzin, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (303) 229-6039
For more information on renewable energy:
Craig Cox, Interwest Energy Alliance (303) 679-9331
Rick Gilliam, Western Resource Advocates (303) 444-1188 ext. 218
