Addressing the state's energy needs while protecting its natural beauty
Renewable sources of energy must be cultivated in Colorado not only to create jobs and stumilate the economy, but also to increase our energy independence. But we can't forget the role traditional energy must play. Right now the fossil-fuel industry is shuddering its businesses left and right in Colorado, taking its jobs and money to neighboring states. We can't afford these losses anymore.
- Encourage new sources of energy We need a balanced approach to developing our state’s resources so we can create opportunities for tapping a wide range of options.
- Stimulate diverse energy opportunities - Clean and efficient nuclear energy needs to be a part of our energy solution. Harnessing the sun's energy needs to play an important role. This bill would not only create sites for photovoltaic panels and atomic energy, but also for capturing harmful methane gas at landfills and using it for energy needs. (House Bill 1268 by Sen. Mike Kopp and Rep. Cory Gardner--assigned to the House Committee on Transportation and Energy)
- Encourage the U.S. Congress not to block developments in oil-shale technology - Some of the largest deposits of oil shale are in western Colorado. We need to do all we can to look into the viability of developing this resource and the federal government should on board with this goal. (Bill sponsors: Sens. Mike Kopp and Greg Brophy and Re. Laura Bradford)
- Create a non-partisan task force to apprise oil-shale opportunities- In that vein, we need to commission a panel of experts to examine and recommend the right kind of oil-shale development in Colorado. (House Bill 1231 by Sen. Mike Kopp and Rep. Laura Bradford--assigned to House Committees on Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources and Appropriations)
- Fostering a healthy environment for traditional sources of energy Traditional sources of energy such as oil, gas, and coal play a vital part not only in providing energy but also in our economy. We have a duty to work with this vital part of the energy sector.
- Streamline coal plant permitting - Coal can be processed in a clean and efficient manner. The state government should not stand in the way of a sector that can provide jobs in much-needed areas. (House Bill 1098 by Sens. Mike Kopp and Greg Brophy and Rep. Randy Baumgardner--postponed indefinitely in the House Committee on Transportation and Energy)
- Make power plant closure process more thoughtful - In this time of recession, we cannot afford high energy prices again. We need to determine what effect the Public Utilities Commission has when it recommends to close energy plants. (House Bill 1156 by Sen. Shawn Mitchell and Rep. Laure Bradford--postponed indefinitely in the House Committee on Transportation and Energy)
- Convert state fleet to run on natural gas - All vehicles owned and operated by the state should run on reliable and plentiful natural gas, it also much cleaner. (Senate Bill 92 by Sen. Mike Kopp and Rep. Don Marostica--up for second reading in the Senate)
- Postpone new onerous oil and gas rules to protect jobs and the economy - The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission will be releasing its new rules soon. They are expected to have adverse effects on oil and gas workers and energy prices. We need to place a moratorium on these rules until we are out of the recession. (Senate Bill 4 by Sen. Greg Brophy and Rep. Laura Bradford--postponed indefinitely in the Senate Committee on Local Government and Energy)