ROMANOFF: Don't think in red or blue, but green instead

By Andrew Romanoff, Special to the Rocky

Published August 26, 2008 at 6:48 p.m.

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This week’s convention is coloring Colorado blue. But in many ways, the most important color in our state is not red or blue — it’s green. That’s the color of a cleaner environment. And that’s the color of our new energy economy.

Colorado’s investments in wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and other renewable resources have created thousands of jobs and generated millions of dollars in new revenue. By diversifying our energy portfolio, we’re saving money, reducing the demand for water, cutting carbon emissions, promoting public health and protecting our national security.

The people of Colorado led the way. In 2004, the citizens passed an initiative requiring 10 percent of our electricity to come from renewable sources by 2015. We met that goal seven years ahead of schedule. So we doubled it, requiring 20 percent by 2020.

More than two dozen other measures are spurring the new energy economy in Colorado, including laws that make it easier for homeowners, businesses, ranchers and farmers to install solar panels and wind turbines — and to get credit for doing so. A new “Wind for Schools” initiative teaches children about renewable energy while powering their classrooms.

We’ve also taken steps to encourage greater energy efficiency and conservation and to promote better building practices. And we’ve boosted the research and development of biofuels and other carbon-cutting technologies at Colorado’s institutes of higher education.

Under Gov. Bill Ritter’s leadership, our state is on track to lead the world in a new energy economy. Under President Obama, America can, too.

Rep. Andrew Romanoff (D) is Colorado House speaker.

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