Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter Testifies Before Congress About "New Energy Economy"

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter testified recently about the "new energy economy" before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Mr. Ritter was joined by governors from other states including Jon Hoeven of North Dakota and Christine Gregoire of Washington.

According to Mr. Ritter, "The new energy economy is energizing Colorado's entire economy, even in the worst downturn in 75 years. This did not happen by accident. It happened through a concerted and aggressive effort, and the new jobs we're creating are real and they are happening in every corner of Colorado."

Mr. Ritter, who was recently ranked by Greenopia as the top state governor for environmental responsibility, said, "We must hand over a world that is more energy secure, more environmentally secure, and more economically secure than it is today.

Now this purpose of this blog is not to promote Mr. Ritter's -- or anyone's -- personal agenda. But it is noteworthy as yet another indication that Colorado is at "ground zero" for renewables, energy efficiency, and the firms that are pushing these into the marketplace.

And before closing, it is worth noting that one of the pioneers in establishing Colorado's renewable energy portfolio -- which was approved by state voters in a 2004 referendum -- was Lola Spradley, the former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives. Mr. Ritter is a Democrat; Ms. Spradley a Republican. Speaking conceptually, renewable energy doesn't really have much time -- at least in Colorado -- for party labels.