Issue Position: Environment/Climate Change

Issue Position

In Colorado, we have a unique connection to our environment. The natural beauty of our state is one of the primary drivers of our economy. It's also a big part of our health, both because we can grow much of the food we eat here, and because many Coloradans stay active while enjoying the outdoors.

All Coloradans want to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and power their lives in a way that's sustainable for future generations. Most of us can see that fossil fuels are last century's technology.

As the founder of one of Colorado's largest renewable energy companies, I have devoted my career to finding ways to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions while creating high paying jobs and growing the economy. Renewable energy is an obvious win-win.

The work I've done in solar has reduced pollution, created local jobs, and enabled hundreds of Coloradans to earn a living wage doing something they believe in. On top of that, renewables save families money, and that additional income makes its way into the community in the form of increased spending at local businesses.

My plan is to make solar and wind power more accessible to everyone in Colorado by expanding the PACE program - Property Assessed Clean Energy - and allowing everyone to choose solar regardless of their income. I believe that people have the right to produce their own energy and earn credit for what they produce. To accomplish this, my goal is to adopt statewide net-metering rules, so that every person in Colorado can own the energy they need to fuel their lives, stop climate change, and grow our economy.

Having built my solar business right here in Colorado, I know what we need to do to support the renewables industry in our state to continue to create jobs. Colorado needs a leader with knowledge and practical experience in renewables at the table. With the environment under constant attack, we'll fight for renewable energy and we will win!

Additionally, I support Colorado adopting CARB rules, which will reduce automobile emissions and bring the most advanced transportation concepts to Colorado first.

With the current administration focusing on reviving the obsolete and environmentally toxic coal and oil industries leadership must be strong at the state level. I'll propose a quicker transition from coal power plants to renewable energy. And I'll support the regulation and limiting of fracking in Colorado to prevent fracking companies who spill methane gas and other pollutants from doing harm to our citizens.

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