http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/bipartisan-coalition-announces-energy-plan-for-colorado Today, http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/bipartisan-coalition-announces-energy-plan-for-colorado Tue, 22 May 2007 14:58:20 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/coal-rush-to-threaten-environment-challenge-americas-energy-security http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/coal-rush-to-threaten-environment-challenge-americas-energy-security Tue, 22 May 2007 14:59:22 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/building-an-energy-efficient-america Energy efficiency buildings can save money, reduce energy use, and cut global warming pollution Denver, CO—According to a new white paper released today by Environment Colorado the country's energy consumption could be cut by 11 percent by 2020 through simple building efficiency measures. “Building an Energy-Efficient America: Zero Energy and High Efficiency Buildings” describes the many opportunities for increasing energy efficiency in buildings and makes recommendations for what local, state and federal officials can do to secure huge energy savings in new and existing buildings. Keith Hay, Energy Advocate of Environment Colorado, said, “Today our buildings that are a double-bogey: they waste energy and opportunity. We need to move American homes and business toward par by building more efficiency homes with on-site renewable energy will cut the energy score, and cut global warming pollution.” Nearly half of the energy we use in the United States—10 percent of the energy in the world—is consumed powering the buildings in which we live and work and much, if not most of that energy is wasted. “Building an Energy-Efficient America” describes policy steps that states and the federal government can take to significantly cut that waste and realize our technological potential for energy efficiency: Building energy codes should be improved and enforced. National model codes should be 30 percent more efficient by 2010 and state codes should match or exceed the model codes. Federal, state, and local governments should adopt policies that encourage building far beyond code and retrofitting existing buildings for increased efficiency. Policies should be designed to encourage on-site renewable power. Political leaders should set the goal for all new buildings to be zero net energy by 2030. “This is a great example of the direction that we should be going to cut costs and increase national security,” said Sen. Moe Keller (D-Arvada). Energy efficiency and conservation are huge untapped strategies that keep dollars in the pockets of citizens and promote economic independence for our country.” The energy savings that can be achieved through these cost-effective policies cannot be understated. Key findings in the paper include: By 2020 we could reduce annual United States energy consumption by 11 percent through simple building efficiency measures such as more efficient lighting, water heating, and appliances, and by designing new buildings to be more energy efficient. Strong energy codes alone, adopted nationally and adequately enforced, would reduce national energy consumption by 2 percent by 2030. One quad of energy, roughly 1% of our nation’s total consumption, gained through building efficiency would cost $42.1 billion. This much energy would cost three times as much gained through new coal plants, and, at least five times as much through new nuclear plants. In September a major opportunity will present itself, when officials from towns and cities across the country come together to update the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) – the national model code most states use to shape how new homes are constructed. The officials could vote to improve the model code to require new homes to be 30 percent more energy efficient. "Buildings are among the worst polluters out there,” said Rep. Mary Hodge (D-Brighton). “In this day and age, with heightened awareness of the growing cost of energy and the devastating impacts of global warming, we must take every step possible to make sure we save where we can. And this report provides logical steps to do just that." Environment Colorado calls on decision makers to make a commitment to do everything it will take to move our country forward, past the old, inefficient and wasteful, and put ourselves on track to make all new buildings zero-energy by 2030. In the short term, this means passing the 30 Percent Solution, renewing the energy tax credits, and continuing to invest in greening state government. “Gas and electricity bills could be obsolete by the middle of this century, and we can start by taking advantage of the large savings that are already at our fingertips,” said Doug Seiter, Past President of the Colorado Renewable Energy Society. “We need to make a commitment and work towards that vision of clean, efficient, homegrown energy by making the most of the opportunities in front of us right now.” For a full copy of the report, visit: http://www.environmentcolorado.org/reports/energy/energy-program-reports/building-an-energy-efficient-america #30# http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/building-an-energy-efficient-america Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:11:53 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/conservationists-win-late-legislative-victories As http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/conservationists-win-late-legislative-victories Tue, 22 May 2007 15:00:13 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/hundreds-of-pinwheels-displayed-to-highlight-support-for-renewable-energy-in-colorado http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/hundreds-of-pinwheels-displayed-to-highlight-support-for-renewable-energy-in-colorado Fri, 15 Jun 2007 11:44:17 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/colorado-senators-split-vote-as-senate-blocks-extension-of-critical-renewable-energy-program http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/colorado-senators-split-vote-as-senate-blocks-extension-of-critical-renewable-energy-program Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:17:35 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-america-launches-campaign-for-clean-energy-green-economy Multi-state grassroots campaign will push for immediate action to reduce reliance on dirty energy; increase energy independence; and invest in green economy. Washington, D.C. - Environment America announced a $5.8 million 27 state campaign to focus attention on emerging opportunities to support clean energy that will help solve America’s energy problems while giving a boost to the economy and taking a bite out of our global warming problem. The national environmental advocacy group‘s Clean Energy and Green Economy campaign will build on public support for a clean energy economy, and steps already taken in numerous states and raise the bar on timely and much needed Congressional action. “Helping to solve this country’s energy problems and building the clean energy economy can’t wait until the next president. Congress must take the opportunity to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, decrease our reliance on dirty fossil fuels and transform our economy right now,” said Environment America Executive Director Margie Alt. Over the next 3 months, the campaign will speak directly with more than 1 million citizens in 90 Congressional Districts about putting clean energy technologies to work to make the nation cleaner and more energy independent, release a series of reports documenting opportunities for clean energy solutions, and build a broad based coalition for investment in the clean energy green economy. Action in more than half of the states on a wide range of policies has already begun to spark investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. In the last year, almost a third of America’s new electric generation has come from clean wind power. An estimated 8.5 million jobs have been created by the move to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Environment America’s Clean Energy Green Economy Campaign will make the case that the United States has just begun to tap the potential of American ingenuity and technology. Environment America and affiliated state environmental organizations are calling on Congress to quickly move to a clean energy future by: Extending the Renewable Energy Production and Investment Tax Credits before clean energy jobs are lost and emerging industries are stifled. Passing a renewable electricity standard to get 20 percent of our energy from clean, renewable sources by 2020. Funding the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grants to help America’s cities become less dependent on fossil fuels by reducing the amount of energy they use for transportation and in buildings. Ensuring that large investments in clean, homegrown energy are part of any global warming bill. According to research from Environment America, the U.S. is failing to meet its potential to make us less dependent on dirty energy and to meet our energy needs through clean renewable energy. Environment America is pushing Congress to enact solutions that will help us save energy, invest in home grown cleaner energy, create green jobs, and put us on the road to a healthier environment while building the clean energy economy. “Clean Energy is supported by Main Street and Wall Street,” added Alt. “With public concern about energy costs and national security at an all time high, we will raise the public demand for action so that Congress will push aside the K Street fossil fuel lobby and get the clean energy economy running at full speed.” #30# Environment America is a federation of state-based environment groups across the country and the national advocacy office of Environment Colorado. http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-america-launches-campaign-for-clean-energy-green-economy Fri, 09 May 2008 11:01:52 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/conservationists-give-legislature-governor-green-stamp-of-approval DENVER—Today leaders of Colorado’s conservation community met at the state capitol to outline the numerous 2007 legislative victories for Colorado’s environment. http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/conservationists-give-legislature-governor-green-stamp-of-approval Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:36:32 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/homeowners-businesses-get-new-tool http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/homeowners-businesses-get-new-tool Tue, 27 May 2008 13:56:43 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/governor-vetoes-energy-independence It http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/governor-vetoes-energy-independence Tue, 22 May 2007 15:01:00 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/tri-state-coal-plants-costly-and-not-needed BOULDER—A http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/tri-state-coal-plants-costly-and-not-needed Tue, 22 May 2007 15:02:36 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/sun-rises-on-new-energy-program Colorado to launch clean energy financing program http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/sun-rises-on-new-energy-program Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:43:21 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/homegrown-power-shines-on-governor Solar Industry, Conservationists, and Legislators Work to Bring Affordable and Accessible Solar Power Home Denver, CO – The Homegrown Renewable Power Act , House Bill 1160, sponsored by Senator Brandon Schaffer and Representative Judy Solano, is headed to the Governor's desk today after being passed by the state Senate on third reading by a vote of 30 to 3. The Homegrown Renewable Energy Act would allow Colorado homeowners and businesses to be paid a fair rate for excess electricity produced by their own solar, wind, or geothermal energy systems, as well as other renewable forms of energy. “This rewards Coloradans who are taking a step in the right direction to make our state a cleaner, healthier place to live by ensuring that solar energy is more affordable and accessible” said Senator Brandon Shaffer. Often times, renewable energy systems for homes and businesses produce more electricity than a single home or business may need. That excess electricity goes into the grid and can provide clean energy to additional customers. “We believe it is time for Colorado to ‘Go Solar’,” said Representative Solano. “By making solar technologies more affordable and accessible to every Coloradan, we can increase our energy independence and take the next major step towards a new energy economy.” The Homegrown Renewable Energy Act would ensure that this energy is not only used, but that Colorado homeowners benefit from their use of new and clean energy. “The solar industry is bringing new employment opportunities and new technologies to Colorado every day," said Beth Hart, President of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA). “We are looking forward to continuing to expand solar energy for homeowners to plug into this important renewable opportunity.” Unfortunately, unless a customer is served by Colorado's largest electric utilities or a handful electric cooperatives and municipal utilities, there is no compensation for the extra electricity they produce. This measure will help to ensure a fair rate for all Coloradans and help spur investment into solar power and other forms of clean energy. "Many of our electric utilities are working to ensure solar energy becomes a part of our energy resources by providing rebates and full net metering, however there are some areas in Colorado where customers like myself are left out of the loop and don't receive the help needed to make a solar installation practical," stated Monty Villere, a homeowner from Monument, Colorado with a home solar system. "Availability of full net metering in all areas of Colorado would go a long way toward greatly expanding the use of solar power." For the utility, a program of this nature provides an incentive to the more forward-looking Coloradan and it is an inexpensive way for the utility to meet its peak demand. Instead of paying the higher costs of another unit of energy, the utility can fulfill its customers’ needs through the purchase of distributive renewable energy. Furthermore, the consumer pays the upfront and full cost of the renewable energy system. Conservationists hail the bill as an important step toward helping individuals be part of the solution to fight global warming pollution while increasing our energy independence. Pam Kiely, Legislative Director for Environment Colorado, stated “In the next decade, we could have a half a million solar roofs helping to power Colorado – an important first step towards stronger clean energy solutions and fighting global warming.” #30# Solar Industry, Conservationists, and Legislators Work to Bring Affordable and Accessible Solar Power Home Denver, CO – The Homegrown Renewable Power Act , House Bill 1160, sponsored by Senator Brandon Schaffer and Representative Judy Solano, is headed to the Governor's desk today after being passed by the state Senate on third reading by a vote of 30 to 3. The Homegrown Renewable Energy Act would allow Colorado homeowners and businesses to be paid a fair rate for excess electricity produced by their own solar, wind, or geothermal energy systems, as well as other renewable forms of energy. “This rewards Coloradans who are taking a step in the right direction to make our state a cleaner, healthier place to live by ensuring that solar energy is more affordable and accessible” said Senator Brandon Shaffer. Often times, renewable energy systems for homes and businesses produce more electricity than a single home or business may need. That excess electricity goes into the grid and can provide clean energy to additional customers. “We believe it is time for Colorado to ‘Go Solar’,” said Representative Solano. “By making solar technologies more affordable and accessible to every Coloradan, we can increase our energy independence and take the next major step towards a new energy economy.” The Homegrown Renewable Energy Act would ensure that this energy is not only used, but that Colorado homeowners benefit from their use of new and clean energy. “The solar industry is bringing new employment opportunities and new technologies to Colorado every day," said Beth Hart, President of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA). “We are looking forward to continuing to expand solar energy for homeowners to plug into this important renewable opportunity.” Unfortunately, unless a customer is served by Colorado's largest electric utilities or a handful electric cooperatives and municipal utilities, there is no compensation for the extra electricity they produce. This measure will help to ensure a fair rate for all Coloradans and help spur investment into solar power and other forms of clean energy. "Many of our electric utilities are working to ensure solar energy becomes a part of our energy resources by providing rebates and full net metering, however there are some areas in Colorado where customers like myself are left out of the loop and don't receive the help needed to make a solar installation practical," stated Monty Villere, a homeowner from Monument, Colorado with a home solar system. "Availability of full net metering in all areas of Colorado would go a long way toward greatly expanding the use of solar power." For the utility, a program of this nature provides an incentive to the more forward-looking Coloradan and it is an inexpensive way for the utility to meet its peak demand. Instead of paying the higher costs of another unit of energy, the utility can fulfill its customers’ needs through the purchase of distributive renewable energy. Furthermore, the consumer pays the upfront and full cost of the renewable energy system. Conservationists hail the bill as an important step toward helping individuals be part of the solution to fight global warming pollution while increasing our energy independence. Pam Kiely, Legislative Director for Environment Colorado, stated “In the next decade, we could have a half a million solar roofs helping to power Colorado – an important first step towards stronger clean energy solutions and fighting global warming.” #30# http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/homegrown-power-shines-on-governor Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:05:26 -0600 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/governor-signs-two-bills-to-spur-new-energy-economy DENVER—Today, http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/governor-signs-two-bills-to-spur-new-energy-economy Tue, 22 May 2007 14:38:08 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/a-penny-wise-and-a-dollar-foolish Colorado Rural Electric Association blocks energy savings bill costing $600 million to homeowners and businesses Denver, CO – The Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA) successfully killed efforts to pass a bill that would have created strong energy savings and big money benefits for Colorado homeowners and businesses. “The Colorado Rural Electric Association is a penny wise and a dollar foolish,” said Heather Maurer with the Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG). “The rural utilities decision to block House Bill 1107 will cost Colorado homes and businesses $600 million in money they would have saved on their energy bills.” House Bill 1107, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Veiga (D-Senate) and Rep. Claire Levy (D-Boulder) would have promoted energy efficiency for rural, town, and municipal utilities and benefited nearly 1 million Coloradans. CREA lobbied heavily to kill the bill in the Colorado Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today. Energy efficiency is a key for addressing Colorado’s global warming pollution. HB 1107 would have cut global warming pollution from Colorado’s power plants by 1.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year by 2020. “CREA’s move today was wrong-headed and misguided. CREA could have been part of the solution in tackling global warming pollution, instead they decided to be part of the problem,” said Pam Kiely, Legislative Director for Environment Colorado. “Energy efficiency is a win-win for our environment and our economy.” The legislation is the companion bill one passed last year calling on investor-owned utilities in Colorado to invest at least 2% of their revenue into efficiency programs. House Bill 1107 would have extended those programs to electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. It is expected that between 2008 and 2020, consumers would have realized $600 million in energy savings. “Legislation adopted in 2007 is stimulating investor-owned utilities such as Xcel Energy to greatly expand their energy efficiency programs, to the great benefit of their customers,” said Howard Geller, Executive Director of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). “Rural electric cooperatives and municipalities need to get on board.” The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project estimates that adoption of HB1107 will result in 420 megawatts of peak power savings and 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity savings by 2020. The latter value is equivalent to the electricity use of 170,000 typical homes in Colorado. About House Bill 1107 Requires rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities with more than 5,000 customers to spend 1% of revenue in 2009 on energy efficiency and 2% starting in 2010 Allows utilities determine which energy efficiency programs to implement Energy efficiency programs include financial incentives, customer education, technical assistance, and other activities that promote more efficient electricity use Permits utilities use funds from outside resources to meet the spending requirements Requires affected utilities to submit annual reports to the Governor’s Energy Office but does not subject rural and municipal utilities to regulation by the Colorado PUC. #30# http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/a-penny-wise-and-a-dollar-foolish Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:10:53 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/colorado-brings-homegrown-power-to-the-people Governor signs bill to make solar power more http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/colorado-brings-homegrown-power-to-the-people Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:22:09 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/big-solar-big-benefits Denver, CO – Solar power plants are one step closer to becoming a reality as part of Colorado’s new energy future. The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1164, sponsored by Rep. Judy Solano (D-Brighton), the second key bill in a “go solar” legislative package moving through the general assembly this session. “Colorado’s ready to bring solar power plants into prime time,” said. Rep. Solano. “Colorado can ‘Go Solar’ with utility-scale solar power plants. Just one large scale plant could generate more than $2 billion in private investment and over 250 high skilled, high paying jobs.” HB 1164 would create a framework that paves the way for new energy technologies such as solar power plants and instructs the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to consider the benefits of cutting global warming pollution today to avoid the high cost such pollution will carry in the future. “Global warming will have huge impacts on our state's environment, water resources, and economy. We know that carbon emissions are the largest source of global warming pollution, and this measure offers Colorado an important tool to cut that pollution,” said Pam Kiely, Legislative Director for Environment Colorado. As the need to cut global warming pollution becomes more and more apparent to stave off potential environmental and economic impacts, the world’s leading financial institutions are also responding. Recently, Bank of America, the countries second largest bank, announced it would consider global warming pollution a liability when it looks to finance electric utility projects. Colorado is a veritable bread basket of solar power and has the nation’s fifth largest solar power potential. Experts have identified southern Colorado, especially parts of the San Luis Valley as having some of the best solar resources for utility scale solar power plants. According to a recent report by the Governors Energy Office, Colorado could meet half of its current electricity demand if the state developed just 2 percent of our best solar resources. “Solar power is a gold mine for the state of Colorado,” Harriet Moyer-Aptekar of Ausra stated after today’s hearing. “We need to take advantage of our 300 days of sunshine, putting our clean, renewable resources to work, and making solar power a significant piece of our energy portfolio.” Ausra is a leader in utility-scale solar power technology and is looking at Colorado as a new place for growth and development. Clean energy businesses can build solar power plants in Colorado within three to four years, if utilities and communities make a commitment to purchase the solar-generated electricity. Over 350 megawatts of electricity from solar power plants have been online for close to 20 years, enough to provide electricity for nearly 100,000 homes. Solar power plants can deliver competitively priced power (11 to 16 cents per kilowatt hour), especially when Colorado’s demand for power is highest – during hot and sunny summer months. Solar power plants can actually come in cheaper during peak demand than the cost of pushing dirty coal plants to the limit or firing up natural gas power plants. About House Bill 1164 New Solar Energy Technologies • Directs the Public Utilities Commission to consider whether the acquisition of utility scale solar resources (2 MW or greater) is in the public interest, taking into account benefits associated with utility scale solar resources • Requires the PUC to give full consideration to impacts of future carbon regulation on electricity pricing when evaluating utility resource plans • Encourages utilities to exceed the minimum renewable resource standards #30# http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/big-solar-big-benefits Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:18:48 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-energy-economy-one-step-from-governors-desk DENVER—The Colorado State Senate voted for a strong renewable energy standard today on 2nd http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-energy-economy-one-step-from-governors-desk Tue, 22 May 2007 14:39:16 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/energy-saving-appliance-standards-would-cut-natural-gas-electricity-waste-save-colorado-consumers-more-than-1-billion DENVER—From http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/energy-saving-appliance-standards-would-cut-natural-gas-electricity-waste-save-colorado-consumers-more-than-1-billion Tue, 22 May 2007 15:03:48 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/smart-grid-is-smart-thinking http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/smart-grid-is-smart-thinking Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:30:01 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/energy-standard-renewed-doubled DENVER, CO: Legislation to double Colorado's http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/energy-standard-renewed-doubled Tue, 22 May 2007 14:44:32 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/coloradans-one-step-away-from-plugging-in-to-solar-power Senate committee passes legislation http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/coloradans-one-step-away-from-plugging-in-to-solar-power Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:47:36 -0600 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/renewable-energy-standard-receives-strong-endorsement-from-the-house DENVER—Legislation to double Colorado's http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/renewable-energy-standard-receives-strong-endorsement-from-the-house Tue, 22 May 2007 14:40:09 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/conference-highlights-benefits-of-clean-energy-in-the-west As http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/conference-highlights-benefits-of-clean-energy-in-the-west Tue, 22 May 2007 15:04:41 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-jobs-clean-air-and-profitable-business DENVER – Today, Governor Bill Ritter joined clean energy advocates to announce a new Environment Colorado Research and Policy Center report entitled “Energy for Colorado’s Economy.” http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-jobs-clean-air-and-profitable-business Tue, 22 May 2007 14:41:00 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/coalition-proposals-support-investment-in-local-communities-renewable-energy-initiatives-and-land-and-wildlife-habitat-protection Denver, CO - Environment Colorado joined sportsmen, conservationists and clean energy advocates and filed several citizens initiatives that would ensure long-term funding for renewable energy development, wildlife habitat protection, and local communities impacted by the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector of the economy. Organizations active within this broad-based coalition believe that a lasting, positive outcome can be created for the state’s new energy economy, for the protection of Colorado’s priceless environment, and for the vitality of its diverse local communities by restructuring the current tax that is applied to the production of Colorado’s non-renewable oil and gas resources. "There’s no question that the rapid expansion of Colorado’s oil and gas industry in recent years has generated jobs and economic activity, but it’s also important to recognize that these gains have not been without significant impact to the State’s watersheds, wildlife, local communities, and other economic sectors like renewable energy,” said Joe Neuhof, West Slope Field Director for the Colorado Environmental Coalition. With an effective tax rate on oil and gas production that is among the lowest in the inter-mountain West, the State of Colorado has been essentially subsidizing one sector of the economy – the oil and gas industry – at significant cost to the State’s quality of life, to tourism and recreation industries like hunting and fishing, and to the environment. "This is our opportunity to earn a fair value for oil and gas reserves that can never be replenished,” said Ken Neubecker, a Glenwood Springs resident and local angler. "We’re experiencing the depletion of a non-renewable resource, but we’re not capturing all the long-term benefits for the State that we should.” Citing their strong conviction that Colorado needs the resources to invest in its local communities, in the protection of its wildlife resources, and in its budding new energy economy, the coalition are preparing to ask Colorado voters to re-structure the state's current energy severance tax. The initiatives filed today include different approaches to changing the current tax’s structure, including closing a loophole that allows oil and gas companies to write-off their property taxes to pay less in taxes, and raising the tax rate on wells that produce the greatest income. The proponents of these measures are entering the ballot title setting process and developing campaign plans to gather the signatures and public outreach necessary to win on the November ballot. Many organizations support additional investment in renewable energy, in protecting our environment, and in addressing impacts to communities most affected by the rapid expansion of Colorado’s oil and gas industry. They include Trout Unlimited, Environmental Defense, The Wilderness Society, Western Colorado Congress, Western Resource Advocates, Colorado Environmental Coalition, Trust for Public Land, Center for Native Ecosystems, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Oil and Gas Accountability Project, Environment Colorado, The Nature Conservancy, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association and Colorado Conservation Trust. "This approach would ensure the severance funds raised will protect our state's priceless environment, while also funding continued growth in our clean energy resources,” said Gary Nakarado, a clean energy consultant. “We must ensure Colorado’s communities have a smooth transition from the boom and bust of our current fossil fuel-based economy to a more sustainable energy future." Additional contacts: Ken Neubecker, 70-376-1918 Joe Neuhof, 20-933-6814 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/coalition-proposals-support-investment-in-local-communities-renewable-energy-initiatives-and-land-and-wildlife-habitat-protection Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:06:23 -0600 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-renewable-energy-standard-gains-momentum DENVER-- Legislation to double Colorado's http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/new-renewable-energy-standard-gains-momentum Tue, 22 May 2007 14:41:53 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-colorado-calls-for-a-clean-energy-future-not-more-subsidies-to-polluting-industries DENVER— http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/environment-colorado-calls-for-a-clean-energy-future-not-more-subsidies-to-polluting-industries Tue, 22 May 2007 15:05:30 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/u_s_-house-of-representatives-passes-landmark-clean-energy-legislation http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/u_s_-house-of-representatives-passes-landmark-clean-energy-legislation Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:06:26 -0600 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/moving-forward-in-the-new-energy-economy With critical energy legislation pending before Congress, clean energy http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/moving-forward-in-the-new-energy-economy Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:19:15 -0600 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/coloradans-support-strong-action-on-energy DENVER—Coloradans http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/coloradans-support-strong-action-on-energy Tue, 22 May 2007 14:54:17 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/kansas-rejection-of-tri-state-power-plant-a-huge-step-forward http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/kansas-rejection-of-tri-state-power-plant-a-huge-step-forward Thu, 18 Oct 2007 16:20:35 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/50-candidates-endorse-the-plan-for-colorados-new-energy-future As http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/50-candidates-endorse-the-plan-for-colorados-new-energy-future Tue, 22 May 2007 14:56:25 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/xcel-energy-steps-up-to-the-plate-on-renewable-energy Supporters http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/xcel-energy-steps-up-to-the-plate-on-renewable-energy Tue, 22 May 2007 14:57:12 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/low-income-consumer--environmental-groups-present-energy-efficiency-solutions-to-address-soaring-heating-costs-this-winter DENVER– http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/low-income-consumer--environmental-groups-present-energy-efficiency-solutions-to-address-soaring-heating-costs-this-winter Tue, 22 May 2007 15:07:20 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/homegrown-power-for-coloradans-passes-house-committee Homegrown Power for http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/homegrown-power-for-coloradans-passes-house-committee Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:43:44 -0600 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/wind-farms-from-above BROOMFIELD – Today, clean energy advocates toured wind farms across northern Colorado by plane, discussing the benefits of doubling Colorado’s renewable energy standard to 20% by 2020. http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/wind-farms-from-above Tue, 22 May 2007 14:45:23 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/media-teleconference-as-federal-government-comes-up-cold-for-solutions-to-energy-prices-states-innovate-and-lead-to-address-rising-costs With http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/media-teleconference-as-federal-government-comes-up-cold-for-solutions-to-energy-prices-states-innovate-and-lead-to-address-rising-costs Tue, 22 May 2007 15:06:26 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/congress-tops-off-first-100-hours-by-passing-clean-energy-act WASHINGTON, DC – Today http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/congress-tops-off-first-100-hours-by-passing-clean-energy-act Tue, 22 May 2007 14:50:15 -0500 http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/clean-energy-agenda-set-for-colorado DENVER http://www.environmentcolorado.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/clean-energy-agenda-set-for-colorado Tue, 22 May 2007 14:52:05 -0500