Press Release- Feb 24, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SATURDAY, FEB. 24, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
GOV. RITTER OPENS NATIONAL GOVERNORS¿ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL WINTER MEETING IN WASHINGTON D.C.
Satellite video feed will be available from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Mountain Time
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter helped open the National Governors¿ Association and Democratic Governors' Association annual winter meetings in Washington D.C. today, urging President Bush and Congress to fully fund the Golden-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Ritter appeared at news conferences at the start of both events, touting Colorado¿s push toward creating a New Energy Economy and other innovations now underway. Ritter said Bush's proposed 2008 spending plan calls for a $6 million, or 3 percent, reduction to NREL's budget.
"At a time when even the president is calling for increased energy independence and less reliance on foreign oil, cutting NREL¿s budget is a move in the wrong direction," Ritter said. "Colorado is on the road to creating a New Energy Economy and becoming a national leader in renewable energy. We need a fully funded NREL as a strong partner."
Ritter also said the president and Congress must invest additional funds into the National Guard to ensure the integrity of war-time equipment. Ritter said he is concerned that equipment is being damaged in Iraq and will be useless when returned home to Colorado and other states.
The governor cited the Guard¿s heroic efforts during this winter's storms in southeastern Colorado, where Guardsmen rescued scores of stranded motorists and helped save hundreds of cattle and other livestock.
Ritter is participating in a full slate of meetings, workshops and news conferences during the NGA and DGA conferences through Tuesday, including sessions at the White House with President Bush.
NOTE TO BROADCAST MEDIA: A satellite video feed of Gov. Ritter's appearance at this morning's National Governors' Association news conference will be available for download from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Mountain Time today. The master control phone number is 202.662.7594.
- On the C Band, go to AMC3, transponder 19, downlink 4080-H.
- On KU, go to AMC2, transponder 3, downlink 11760-V.