Solar energy, healthy rivers, and smart growth are at the top of the conservationist agenda for the 2008 legislative session. Members of the environmental community announced their legislative agenda today at the state capitol with elected officials in attendance.
"This year we have set strong goals to protect the health of Colorado rivers, make solar energy more affordable and accessible, and use our transportation dollars to encourage smart development that reduces drive time," said Elise Jones, Executive Director of the Colorado Environmental Coalition. "This year we want to take serious action to combat global warming pollution while increasing our energy independence and protecting our quality of life."
The conservation community's clean energy program aims to give all Coloradans access to renewable energy incentives. The package will allow the state to "Go Solar!" and includes new incentives for renewable energy such as tax credits and wind & solar financing. Additionally, the package calls for all utilities across the state to establish homeowner solar and wind programs similar to those offered by Xcel Energy to their customers, giving folks across the state the chance to boost Colorado's energy security with homegrown, renewable energy.
"Colorado could have half a million solar roofs in the next decade," said Pam Kiely, Legislative Program Director for Environment Colorado. "And the "Go Solar!" legislative package is a strong step on that path."
The second program seeks to create access to energy efficiency programs for Coloradans by requiring municipal utilities and Rural Electric Associations to establish similar programs to save energy and save rate-payers' money.
With more than a million people expected to move to Colorado in the next decade, conservationists are also calling for measures that will incentivize smart, sustainable growth. One such measure would link state transportation dollars with cities and towns that implement smart growth plans capable of reducing drive time and sprawling development.
"We're essentially funding traffic jams and global warming pollution under the current system," said Elise Jones, Executive Director of the Colorado Environmental Coalition. "Instead of rewarding bad planning with transportation funding, we should be providing incentives to communities to grow smart."
An additional proposal involves giving local governments the information and tools they need to ensure there is a sustainable water supply when new development is approved in their area.
"We have the ability and the know-how to plan for smart growth," added Jones. "This means less time in the car, less global warming pollution, and more sustainable water management."
As water demands for new growth increase, Colorado rivers and streams are dwindling. Conservationists are proposing a fair way to protect healthy waterways by increasing available options for buying or leasing water from interested water-right owners. This would allow farmers, ranchers and municipalities to use part of their water rights to keep local streams flowing.
"By passing measures to give ranchers and farmers the opportunity to leave their water in their local stream or river, we have an opportunity for a win-win in Colorado," said David Nickum, Executive Director of Colorado Trout Unlimited. "This not only keeps Colorado rivers vibrant and healthy, it also gives water right owners the freedom they deserve."
Additional measures will tackle the impacts of irresponsible uranium mining, direct financial resources to forest fire prevention activities, and increase energy efficiency measures with state utilities.
"Last year we worked with state legislators and the Governor's office to achieve remarkable reforms to protect our quality of life," Nickum stated. "We're optimistic we can build on this momentum in 2008."
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