Energy plan high on Dem agenda

Stuart Steers, Rocky Mountain News

Published November 13, 2006 at midnight

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The Democratic wave that surged over Colorado on Election Day seems likely to give the state one of the most ambitious alternative energy laws in the country.

When a new governor and legislature take office in January, they likely will embrace a plan that calls for Colorado to obtain 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources - including wind and solar power - by 2015.

Dozens of legislators already have endorsed the proposal, and Gov.- elect Bill Ritter, a Democrat, is expected to favor it.

"We could become the renewable energy capital of the country," said Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West. "It's part of moving the state forward."

Over the summer, a coalition emerged that asked legislative candidates to sign off on a plan for a "new energy future."

Many did, and 35 of them were elected to office. Ritter didn't directly endorse the plan, but said he supported the overall goals.

A spokesman for the governor-elect said Ritter is looking forward to working with the legislature to dramatically boost Colorado's commitment to renewable energy.

"Bill talked about his commitment to renewable energy on election night," Evan Dreyer said. "His very first TV spot was filmed on a wind farm."

The plan would put Colorado "in the top five states in the country" for renewable energy, said Matt Baker, executive director of Environment Colorado. "It's a win-win for Colorado."

California has the country's most far-reaching plan to boost alternative energy, calling for 20 percent of its power to come from renewables by 2012. Other states, including Nevada and New Mexico, have enacted similar plans.

Two years ago, Colorado voters approved Amendment 37, which requires utility providers in the state to obtain 10 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2015. Baker said the state would likely meet that goal by early 2008, largely because of the success of wind power production on the eastern Plains.

A spokeswoman for Xcel Energy, Colorado's largest energy provider, said it was too soon to comment on the proposal.

"We haven't seen this plan, but we're committed to a renewable energy portfolio that works for our customers," said Ethnie Groves, spokeswoman for Xcel.

Baker said his group hoped to win Xcel's support. He said Xcel, which opposed Amendment 37, has now become a leader in solar and wind power.

"They created one of the best solar programs in the country," Baker said. "We would like to work closely with Xcel to craft this proposal. We're willing to compromise with them because we believe they have a commitment to renewable energy."

In addition to the 20 percent renewable goal for overall power, the plan put forward by Baker's coalition calls for 10 percent of Colorado's transportation fuel to come from ethanol and other natural sources.

Last year, Gov. Bill Owens vetoed a plan that would have mandated that 10 percent of gasoline sold in Colorado be made from ethanol. Owens called it an intrusion on the free market.

The new proposal also calls for a 10 percent reduction in energy use through energy efficiency, largely by giving incentives for homeowners to weatherize their homes.

Renewable goals

Dozens of Colorado legislators have endorsed a plan intended to make the state a leader in renewable energy. The proposal:

By 2015:

• Renewable sources should account for 20 percent of Colorado's power.

• Energy use should be cut by 10 percent by providing incentives to weatherize homes.

• Ethanol should account for 10 percent of transportation fuel used in Colorado.

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