Ritter to Sign Historic Energy Bill, Environmental Leaders Applaud Bold Action

Environment Colorado

Colorado now a national model in building New Energy Economy, competitiveness in global clean energy market
 
“Today we’ve truly hit it out of the park, taking Colorado’s vision for a new energy future to the big leagues. Over four short years we’ve tripled our commitment to renewable energy, and by taking a bold swing at the time when our energy challenges are the most profound we’ve proven to the nation that Colorado can step up to the plate and deliver.”  
–        Pam Kiely, program director Environment Colorado
“We’ve put candidates and decision-makers on notice – it’s time to invest in our future and to move past the old way of doing business, assuming that the economy and the environment are at odds.  Colorado has proven that’s untrue.  We’re creating new jobs and a stronger economy while we protect our environment.” 
–        Pete Maysmith, executive director of Colorado Conservation Voters
“By raising our renewable energy standard even higher, Colorado renews its status as a national clean energy leader. This great achievement not only attracts new business investment and jobs to our state, it also enables more homeowners and businesses to become producers in the clean energy economy.”
       –      Elise Jones, executive director of Colorado Environmental Coalition 
Background
Legislation to expand and strengthen Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES) will be signed into law today by Governor Bill Ritter at SolSorce Inc, a Denver based solar installation company.   HB 1001, will increase Colorado’s renewable energy standard from 20% to 30% by 2020. The new standard will allow Coloradans to get a larger percentage of clean electricity from sources such as wind and solar- more than almost anywhere else in the country. Governor Ritter was joined by the bill’s sponsors— Representatives Max Tyler (D-Lakewood) and Sens. Bruce Whitehead (D- Hesperus) and Gail Schwartz (D- Snowmass).