Press Release- June 18, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007
Contact:
Wil Alston, 303.866.6323
GOV. RITTER ENDORSES 25 x 25 INITIATIVE
Gov. Bill Ritter announced today that he has formally endorsed the 25x25 initiative to increase the nation's use of renewable energy to 25 percent by 2025.
The Governor voiced his support for the 25x25 campaign during his own campaign for governor last year. Gov. Ritter said the effort is in keeping with his push to develop a New Energy Economy and establish Colorado as the renewable energy capital of the country.
Here is the complete text of the letter:
June 18, 2007
Mr. Ernest C. Shea
"25x'25" Project Coordinator
Natural Resource Solutions, LLC
208 Melanchton Avenue
Lutherville, MD 21093
Dear Mr. Shea:
As Colorado's Governor, I am pleased to express my support for the "25x'25" campaign, which seeks to see our country get 25 percent of our energy from renewable resources like wind, solar and biofuels by 2025. In doing so, I join the many organizations in Colorado who have helped build a strong foundation for the "25x'25" initiative.
As you are aware, I campaigned to become Governor of Colorado, in part, on our need to bring forward a new energy economy. In the first session of the legislature since I took office, we achieved strong success on this front. We passed legislation that will double the state's renewable energy standard, establish a Clean Energy Fund, help build transmission so that wind power can reach more Coloradans, and expand efficiency programs through our utilities.
It was a strong year for us, but we still have a lot of work to do to truly bring a new energy economy to Colorado. Campaigns like "25x'25" can help us keep a firm aim in mind.
As a participant in the Western Governor's Association's Clean and Diversified Energy Initiative, we are looking at how Colorado can act on a regional basis to build a strong energy economy for the western United States. The energy resources we have here position us well to help lead our country to a safe, secure and clean energy future.
Many of the renewable energy resources we have in Colorado reside in rural lands, and I am particularly aware of the opportunity to rejuvenate Colorado's rural economy through concerted renewable energy development. The potential of rural lands to help sequester carbon is also an important role and my administration will be taking a comprehensive look at the link between energy and climate change, and the opportunities for rural Colorado to participate in new revenue opportunities that will also succeed in reducing our state's greenhouse gas emissions.
Supporting the "25x'25" Action Plan will provide multiple societal benefits to our farms, ranches and working lands. As someone who was raised on a farm, I know the importance of strong rural communities and healthy, growing economies. Wise use of our state's natural resources will enhance our environment, provide for economic opportunities for all of Colorado and promote energy security in the region.
I wish you every success in achieving your "25x'25" vision and am proud to be a part of a growing chorus who shares great enthusiasm for your initiative.
Sincerely,
Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor