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Release Date: May 10, 2010
» Watch video of the press conference. Today leaders from the conservation community gathered to celebrate another successful legislative session that establishes Colorado as the "Best in the West" on a host of conservation issues. With the passage of over 30 pro-conservation bills, including one of the highest renewable energy standards (RES) in the country, a first in the nation bill to shut down the dirtiest power plants along the Front Range, and an innovative water-smart homes requirement, the conservation community came together to pass bills that will grow the New Energy Economy, create thousands of green jobs, clean up our air, and create huge water savings every year. The 2010 session kicked off with the introduction of House Bill 1001, which increased Colorado's Renewable Energy Standard to 30% by 2020. This bill harnesses Colorado's enormous renewable energy potential to build a new, clean, homegrown energy economy. It will create more jobs, boost investment in an emerging sector, and stabilize our electricity prices while cleaning up our air, our water, and cutting global warming pollution. In addition to increasing our overall percentage of clean energy, HB 10-1001 is also expected to deploy 700 MW of solar generation by 2020, which could result in the creation of 23,450 jobs over the next 10 years. "With a strong RES and some of the best oil and gas rules in the West, we are taking a huge step forward for cleaner air in Colorado," said Pete Maysmith Executive Director of Colorado Conservation Voters. After more than 15 years of fighting to protect farmlands from being paved over with shopping centers and subdivisions at taxpayer expense, the conservation community came together with leaders of the agricultural community, local government and other stakeholders to pass HB 1107, with wide bi-partisan support. The bill will help prevent taxpayer money meant for developing abandoned inner city industrial sites and other blighted areas from being used to subsidize the development of farmlands on the outskirts of cities and towns. "Finally, thanks to legislative leadership and the hard work of a group of diverse allies that rarely get a chance to agree on solutions, taxpayers will no longer be paying to build subdivisions and malls on Colorado's productive farmlands," said Elise Jones with Colorado Environmental Coalition. As uranium companies proposed to expand in Canon City and open new processing facilities on the West Slope, the conservation community partnered with local residents in Canon City to ensure companies clean up their mess. HB 1348, passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support and the backing of more than 160 businesses, local elected officials, public health and medical groups, and advocacy organizations. The legislation requires uranium companies clean up existing toxic emissions at processing facilities before uranium companies can apply to expand operations. The legislation marks the second of two major bills overhauling Colorado's uranium regulations and setting a high standard for other states plagued with past uranium operations such as New Mexico and Utah. "We're thrilled that after decades of pollution, uranium companies will be required to clean up their act," said Sharyn Cunningham from Colorado Citizens Against Toxic Waste. The group has been working for years to ensure the Cotter uranium mill cleans-up its act and that new facilities are held to higher standards. To help meet increased demand for our precious water resources, the conservation community passed a suite of bills to ensure we're using every drop of water wisely. The first bill, HB 1051 creates a statewide snapshot of our water use and conservation efforts, had strong support from both sides of the aisle. HB 1358, which will need final concurrence in the House this week, creates the first-in-the-nation 'water-smart homes' program. The bill requires homebuilders to offer homebuyers the most efficient appliances, faucets, fixtures, and landscaping as a standard option. "The demand for water in Colorado will only increase in the coming years, but through these creative and efficient solutions, we are ensuring we have an adequate water supply to meet that demand," said Drew Beckwith, Water Policy Analyst for Western Resource Advocates. In addition to these priority bills, Colorado also passed over 30 other important conservation measures. Highlights of these bills include increased financing for energy efficiency and renewables, a bill to allow communities to create solar gardens, sustained funding for state parks, and funding for outdoor education programs. The conservation community's success in 2010 reflects the continued growth in statewide bi-partisan support for conservation values. This trend resulted in landmark legislation that makes Colorado the "Best in the West" for green jobs, protections for air, water and land, and the green energy economy. These legislative victories are also a testament to the leadership of Governor Ritter, the legislature and the advocacy efforts of conservation-minded Coloradans across the state. Click here for a full list of the conservation community-supported bills. |
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