***Update***

A great start to a Thursday.

I just got back from this morning’s press conference at the State Capitol. It was inspiring. Pam Kiely from Environment Colorado opened the event by reminding people that HB 1001 is latest step in a ten year journey in the effort to make Colorado a national leader on renewable energy. Gov. Ritter spoke next and was powerful. He told the story from his perspective – he champions this issue because it means more jobs for Coloradans and allows us to tap in our abundant natural resources, all the while benefiting the environment.

There were numerous press outlets covering the event so look for stories on TV, radio, the blogs, and in the papers later today and tomorrow.

Check out some of the video here.

I’m heading back to the capitol now for the committee hearing in the House Transportation and Energy committee. Listen online if you’re able and I’ll update in this space later today with the outcome of the committee vote

***Original Post***

Colorado’s journey to an increased renewable energy standard (RES) is taking another step forward this week with the public introduction of HB1001. If passed, this bill will bring us to a 30% RES and make us an RES leader in the nation. And that’s exactly where we should be – leading the nation to a cleaner, brighter future with a vibrant New Energy Economy.

The bill is the fruit of years of organizing around this issue. Coloradans first adopted a renewable energy standard by citizen initiative in 2004. Legislators doubled the standard to 20% in 2007. Innumerable people have spent endless hours building public and political support for a robust renewable energy standard.

Of course, we have a lots more work to do. We still need to finalize negotiations with some of the interested parties. We need to talk with legislators to make sure they do the right thing and vote yes. And we need to tell this story. By requiring that we generate close to one third of our electricity from renewables like wind and solar, we will further cement our status as a national leader in the New Energy Economy.

To be sure, we need your help. Make your voice heard. Join us at 8:30 on Thursday morning in the West Foyer of the State Capitol for the unveiling of HB1001. Call or write your state representative and let them know that you are watching their vote on this bill and expect great things for Colorado. And as always, vote with your conservation values.

Warmly,

Pete