Issue Position: Environment and Renewable Energy

Issue Position

Growing up here in Colorado, I spent most of my time outdoors. From the swim team to skiing to Scout trips to the High Line Canal, I've always loved being outside and enjoying the absolute best weather in the world. I also served on the board of Colorado Conservation Voters and elected a pro-conservation majority in both the State House and the State Senate. But I grew up with the Brown Cloud and watering our lawn only on triangle days. I also remember that one time when a previous governor said the whole state looked like it was on fire. (It wasn't.) Given climate scientists' long-term predictions of drought in the West, if we don't act responsibly now we could end up in an even worse predicament.

Having worked in rural Colorado and for both John and Ken Salazar, I have a deep understanding of Colorado's limited water resources. Counties and major municipalities need to have regularly updated water plans that work alongside Governor John Hickenlooper's bipartisan Colorado Water Plan. We should also encourage counties and municipalities to include open space and parks so our families can enjoy the outdoors near their homes. And every State Representative and Senator should take an active role supporting their local governments in these processes.

Colorado's renewable energy sector is poised for takeoff. We already have major wind and solar companies with operations in the state and numerous renewable research labs. The cost of energy from renewable sources is fast becoming cheaper than from fossil fuels, and nationally we have more people working in clean and green energy than in oil and gas.

Making the changeover to clean energy will also have tremendous public health benefits. The impact of cutting our CO2 emissions by about 25%--something the United States has already pledged to do in international agreements--could prevent 15 million lost adult work days a year and keep 29,000 kids with asthma out of the emergency room. This would have an estimated economic savings of $250 billion a year, which is far greater than the estimated cost of implementing these emissions cuts.
Encouraging renewable energy means more good-paying jobs for Coloradans, and a healthy environment we can all enjoy.

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