Colorado State House clears the way for Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act 3/19/2010

Denver, CO – House Bill 1365 passed today on second reading in the Colorado State House. The “Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act”, is sponsored by Rep. Judy Solano (D-Brighton) and Rep. Ellen Roberts (R-Durango). Colorado residents and businesses will see substantial benefits from cleaner air, healthier communities and a stronger clean-energy economy under this sweeping legislation which is supported by a diverse group of energy companies, legislators from both parties, public health advocates and conservation groups.

Hitting the Pavement 10/06/2009

I hit the pavement last week, on the street and at peoples’ doorsteps, on campuses, and even in our international airport, talking solar power to the people of our state and all over the world. We are working to triple the amount solar power in our sunny state and we were out there telling people why.

Investing in the Sun- Economic and Environmental Benefits of Developing 1,000 Megawatts of Distributed Generation Solar in Colorado 3/02/2010

Colorado is quickly becoming a leader in the “New Energy Economy” as the state pursues one of the most ambitious clean energy requirements in the country-- a 30% renewable electricity standard by 2020. Even under current law, Colorado is already ahead of the curve, requiring 20% of the state’s electricity to come from renewable resources, with 0.8% of total electricity coming from solar energy. The specific solar standard requires that half of the solar brought online must come from “distributed generation” (DG) solar that is located on-site at customers' homes and businesses. While both large-scale central station and DG solar have an important role in the state’s clean energy future, as the industry has developed over the past few years it has become clear that DG solar brings a particular set of benefits to Colorado. DG solar supports local business growth and allows every Coloradan to directly contribute to the New Energy Economy by producing their own clean electricity. DG solar also helps utilities reduce costs of purchasing expensive peak power electricity and updating grid infrastructure-- all cost savings that ultimately benefit ratepayers.

Generating Failure 1/05/2010

Far from being a solution to global warming, nuclear power will actually set America back in the race to reduce pollution. Nuclear power is too slow and too expensive to make enough of a difference in the next two decades. Moreover, nuclear power is not necessary to provide clean, carbon-free electricity for the long haul. The up-front capital investment required to build 100 new nuclear reactors could prevent twice as much pollution over the next 20 years if invested in energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy instead. Taking into account the ongoing costs of running the nuclear plants, a clean energy path would deliver as much as five times more progress for the money.

Proponents back legislation requiring radioactive site clean-up 1/28/2010

A new state legislation campaign that prevents uranium processing facilities from starting new milling operations while still cleaning up past contamination sites was announced by its proponents outside of the Fremont County Commissioners Office Tuesday, Jan. 26.

State lawmakers consider boost to renewable energy 1/27/2010

DENVER — Large utility companies in Colorado could be held to a higher standard when it comes to renewable energy. State lawmakers are crafting legislation that would require large electricity suppliers to generate at least 30 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, such as wind and solar energy. The proposed legislation would apply to Xcel Energy, which provides electricity to Summit County.

New Rules For Uranium Mills Possible 1/26/2010

For eight years Sharyn Cunningham and her family drank from a well contaminated by radioactive and toxic waste. It wasn't until the local uranium mill wanted to bring in toxic material from New Jersey that they became aware it was still operational.