Shifting political winds propel higher mandates
HB 1281 imposes a 10-percent standard on smaller utilities, some of which serve rural areas. "These new standards will allow more people across our state to take part in a renewable energy economy," Schwartz said.
Gov. Bill Ritter testified in favor of the bill, a relatively rare move for a governor. But Ritter campaigned on a new-energy economy platform, and HB 1281 is a key component of his plan. "Colorado is poised in so many respects to play a leadership role" in renewable energy, the Associated Press quoted Ritter as saying.
One study suggests that raising the renewable-energy mandate could create 4,100 jobs and boost Colorado's economy by $1.9 billion.
In a Senate committee this week and elsewhere recently, some critics doubted such sunny claims. "I'm concerned that the technology is not good enough yet," said Sen. David Schultheis, the Rocky Mountain News reported. "If it were, the free market would gladly develop it."
The bill, which appears likely to pass, would have been politically untenable in 2004, when Xcel was complaining about "hard wiring" energy mandates into state law. This year, however, Xcel supported the bill.
There could be a short-term cost to consumers as Colorado pursues more renewable energy. But the well-known costs of our energy-guzzling status quo are much greater. It's good to see our state's leaders reaching that conclusion.
There's little doubt now that higher renewable-energy standards will become law in Colorado. That heartening news illustrates how much the political landscape has changed in three years.
In 2004, Colorado voters approved Amendment 37, which requires large utility companies to produce or purchase 10 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by 2015. The measure passed despite stiff opposition from Xcel Energy, which advertised its green credentials while funneling cash into the anti-37 campaign.
On Thursday, the state Senate gave initial approval to House Bill 1281, which doubles the 10 percent requirement set by Amendment 37. The measure is sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz, a Snowmass Village Democrat, and Rep. Jack Pommer, a Boulder Democrat.HB 1281 imposes a 10-percent standard on smaller utilities, some of which serve rural areas. "These new standards will allow more people across our state to take part in a renewable energy economy," Schwartz said.
Gov. Bill Ritter testified in favor of the bill, a relatively rare move for a governor. But Ritter campaigned on a new-energy economy platform, and HB 1281 is a key component of his plan. "Colorado is poised in so many respects to play a leadership role" in renewable energy, the Associated Press quoted Ritter as saying.
One study suggests that raising the renewable-energy mandate could create 4,100 jobs and boost Colorado's economy by $1.9 billion.
In a Senate committee this week and elsewhere recently, some critics doubted such sunny claims. "I'm concerned that the technology is not good enough yet," said Sen. David Schultheis, the Rocky Mountain News reported. "If it were, the free market would gladly develop it."
The bill, which appears likely to pass, would have been politically untenable in 2004, when Xcel was complaining about "hard wiring" energy mandates into state law. This year, however, Xcel supported the bill.
There could be a short-term cost to consumers as Colorado pursues more renewable energy. But the well-known costs of our energy-guzzling status quo are much greater. It's good to see our state's leaders reaching that conclusion.
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