WASHINGTON, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) today applauded Governor Ritter for Colorado’s first Climate Action Plan:

“Colorado has been a leader when it comes to increasing our use of renewable energy. I applaud Governor Ritter’s bold, realistic plan that reduces Colorado’s carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2020. I hope Colorado’s efforts to reduce emissions, increase fuel savings, and promote advanced technologies will jumpstart federal action.

“The U.S. House recently passed monumental Energy legislation that included a national Renewable Energy Standard (RES) illustrating our commitment to clean energy.  I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in Congress to ensure the passage of a national RES plan. The federal government has an historic opportunity to follow Colorado’s example by transforming to a new energy economy and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. I look forward to working with Governor Ritter at the federal level to support our state’s efforts to address the challenges of global warming.” 

During the consideration of the House Energy Bill, DeGette led the passage of a renewable energy standard creating a national plan. The national RES requires electric utilities to derive 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources, 4 percent of which can come from efficiency, by 2020.