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Colo. at forefront of energy revolution?Gene Davis, DDN Staff WriterFriday, March 13, 2009 | |
Colorado is at the forefront of an energy revolution that promises to transform the U.S. economy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told a crowd gathered outside of the Capitol yesterday.
“Gov. Ritter and other Colorado leaders have established the state as a national and international leader in the production and manufacturing of traditional and renewable energy,” he said.
Kennedy Jr. was a featured speaker at yesterday’s Capitol energy expo. The event, which was organized by Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass, the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, Environment Colorado and the Governor’s Energy Office, was intended to position Colorado’s role as a leader in developing alternative sources of energy.
“We’re creating a new energy future that is bringing jobs and economic opportunities to every corner of Colorado,” said Ritter. “Together with industry, legislators, conservationists and the academic community, we’re creating sustainable jobs and establishing Colorado as a national and international clean-energy leader.”
Approximately 20 New Energy Economy businesses and entrepreneurs set up exhibits at the expo. Kate Haughey, who was recently hired on as a field-marketing specialist for REC Solar, said her hiring is proof that the alternative energy market is indeed growing in Colorado.
“I think it’s a fantastic industry,” she said. “It’s not only great for our environment, but also to provide jobs.”
Ritter and Schwartz touted the 11 bills focused specifically on renewable energy and clean energy promotion that have come out of the Joint Select Committee on Job Creation and Economic Growth as proof of Colorado’s role in building a “brighter energy future.”
“Truly, Colorado is not a red state or a blue state, we are a green state,” said a statement from Rep. Judy Solano, D-Colo. “From the large scale solar plants in the San Luis Valley to the wind farms of Windsor, our blood runs green here in Colorado.”
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