DENVER—
As Americans face high gasoline and home heating prices, Environment
Colorado called on President Bush to promote a smarter cleaner energy
future, instead of promoting expensive, dangerous nuclear power.
“Consumers
across the country are doing their part by carpooling, driving more
fuel efficient cars and weatherizing homes. States are doing their part
by increasing funding for home heating and weatherization programs and
setting standards for more efficient appliances,” said Anna Aurilio,
Environment Colorado’s National Legislative Director. “It’s time for
Congress and the Bush Administration to stop picking our pockets to
reward big energy companies and start doing their part by harnessing
innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies,” she
added.
Environment
Colorado also called for states to take the lead in promoting a Clean
Energy Future. “The Bush Administration policies will do nothing to
reduce high energy prices,” said Matt Garrington, Field Organizer for
Environment Colorado. “States must take the lead on setting the right
priorities. The cheapest, cleanest and quickest way Colorado can
address high energy prices is through energy efficiency.”
Environment
Colorado is supporting the HB06-1147, the Gas Utility Energy Efficiency
Act, which would create incentives for natural gas utilities in
Colorado.
“If
we invest in natural gas efficiency today through House Bill 1147,
households and businesses could save $560 million by 2020,” continued
Garrington. “And by reducing demand for natural gas, we can lighten
pressures to drill on public lands such as the Artic Refuge and
Colorado’s Roan Plateau.”
Conversely,
Environment Colorado’s analysis of the energy bill signed by the
President last summer shows that it will cost taxpayers and give the
oil and gas industry at least $4 billion in new subsidies, while the
nuclear industry would get at least $12 billion. There were no
provisions in the bill to increase gas mileage standards or to
guarantee an increase in renewable energy generation.
“So
far, the Bush Administration and Congress have lavished billions in new
subsidies for Big Oil and the nuclear industry, while giving short
shrift to near term clean energy solutions,” said Aurilio. “It’s time
for President Bush to break America’s oil habit by picking up a pen and
doubling gas mileage standards. American consumers will spend $8.7
billion more than they should at the gas pump in 2006 because President
Bush has opposed meaningful increases in miles per gallon standards,”
she added.
The
President called for the construction of new nuclear power plants in
his speech tonight. Environment Colorado has opposed new nuclear power
plants because they are expensive, dangerous and generate highly
radioactive waste. A Department of Energy study found that 75 U.S.
nuclear power plants experienced construction cost overruns totaling
$100 billion. The Energy Information Administration estimates that it
will take at least nine years to build a new nuclear power plant.
“America’s
consumers are struggling to pay their energy bills and need relief
now,” said Aurilio. “Energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest
cleanest way of meeting our energy needs. The last thing we need is
more expensive and dangerous nuclear power plants that won’t come
online for a decade,” said Aurilio.
Environment Colorado is supporting a several clean energy solutions at the state level, including:
Incentivize Natural Gas and Electricity Energy Efficiency Programs
Stimulate the implementation of energy efficiency programs for
residential and small commercial customers by electric and natural gas
utilities in Colorado.
Support Energy Efficiency for Low Income Families
Secure funding for home weatherization and efficiency measures for low income Coloradans.
Promote Clean Energy Technologies
Support a clean energy fund to promote solar, wind, and geothermal technologies.
Alternative Fuels Standard
Promote the use of farm fuels such as biodiesel that will help Colorado reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Statewide Energy Plan
Support the development of a statewide energy plan that promotes renewables and energy efficiency.
