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Find Gov. Ritter on:

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BILL RITTER, JR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2009

 

CONTACTS:
Carly Marie Knudson, 303.866.4871, cmknudson@gmail.com
Todd Hartman, 303.866.2262, todd.hartman@state.co.us
Megan Castle, 303.866.6386, megan.castle@state.co.us

 

NEW ENERGY EXPO HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AND 2009 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

 

AUDIO Gov. Ritter Remarks Bobby Kennedy, Jr. Remarks Sen. Schwartz Remarks

Gov. Bill Ritter, lawmakers and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. today touted Colorado's New Energy Economy during a Capitol energy expo showcasing the state's leadership in creating new jobs and highlighting new clean-energy legislation.

 

"Like the rest of the country, Colorado is facing tough economic times," Gov. Ritter said. "But the New Energy Economy is a clear example of how we are leading Colorado forward. We're creating a new energy future that is bringing jobs and economic opportunities to every corner of Colorado. Together with industry, legislators, conservationists and the academic community, we're creating sustainable jobs and establishing Colorado as a national and international clean-energy leader."

 

Organized by Sen. Gail Schwartz, the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, Environment Colorado and the Governor's Energy Office, today's expo exhibitors featured New Energy Economy businesses and entrepreneurs from the solar, wind, efficiency, biofuel, transportation and smart grid sectors.

 

"Colorado is at the forefront of an energy revolution that promises to transform the U.S. economy," said new energy advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a featured speaker at the expo. "Gov. Ritter and other Colorado leaders have established the state as a national and international leader in the production and manufacturing of traditional and renewable energy."

 

That leadership has translated into an ambitious legislative agenda in 2009 that includes green-collar job training, neighborhood electric vehicles, solar power options and development of clean technology. 

 

"Colorado has been and will continue to be a leader in the New Energy Economy," Sen. Schwartz said. "SB 75, which I sponsored, to promote low speed neighborhood electric vehicles, is just one aspect of our larger goal this session.  Many important bills came out of the Joint Select Committee on Job Creation and Economic Growth to promote construction of green, solar-ready homes, the development of green jobs, and the promotion of green businesses.  Green industry saves our environment, but more importantly it develops reliable jobs for Colorado."

 

"Years ago, when we all started to work on new energy, we were on the cutting edge of untested technologies," said Rep. Judy Solano. "Now, as we celebrate together today, we are in the midst of the least controversial, most bi-partisan issue around. Truly, Colorado is not a red state or a blue state, we are a green state.  From the large scale solar plants in the San Luis Valley to the wind farms of Windsor, our blood runs green here in Colorado."

 

"The successful pursuit of sustainability requires widespread participation, and the collaborative work among our office, Sen. Schwartz, Environment Colorado and the Governor's Energy Office is helping to make the New Energy Economy a reality," said Aaron Nelson, special projects director for the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado.

 

"Repowering America can turn the current economic crisis into a solution to our nation's energy crisis. Congress can jump start a national New Energy Economy by passing a national renewable energy standard," said Keith Hay, energy advocate for Environment Colorado.

 

New Energy Economy 2009 Legislation

 

Past Legislation