Pinwheel displays show support for wind energy

Environment Colorado joined with Sierra Club  in calling on Congress to establish a national Renewable Electricity Standard that would require utilities to generate 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2020. At press time, the standard had been approved by the House and was headed for committee. Environment Colorado volunteers and staff set up hundreds of pinwheels in front of the Capitol in Denver to raise awareness about wind energy.

“There is no question that America has the know-how to move beyond fossil fuels and to tap into our abundant renewable energy resources,” said Environment Colorado Field Director Matt Garrington. “Colorado voters have already shown their commitment to renewable energy and now Colorado can help power the rest of the country.”

By the end of this year Colorado will produce more than 10 percent of its electricity from clean, renewable sources of energy like wind and solar power.   

Solar energy's bright future 

Environment Colorado is working to pass legislation that would require new homes to be built “solar ready,” and extend tax incentives to homeowners who install solar hot water systems—taking advantage of our state’s plentiful solar potential.

With 300 sunny days a year, Colorado has the fifth-largest solar energy potential in the nation. Expanding our state’s use of solar energy would reduce global warming pollution, create jobs and save consumers money. Solar hot water systems are one simple way to increase Colorado’s use of clean, renewable energy. A typical, two-panel solar hot water system can provide 80 percent of the daily hot water needs for a family of four.

“By giving homeowners more renewable energy options, we can ensure a bright future for solar energy in Colorado” said Environment Colorado’s Matt Baker.