Energy
America needs a comprehensive and balanced energy plan. We need to diversify our energy portfolio, and that means responsibly maximizing domestic oil, gas, nuclear, renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. I believe Colorado and the 7th Congressional District hold the key to changing the way we power this nation. Here in Colorado, we have abundant solar, wind, geothermal, and natural gas resources. Additionally, we have the finest renewable energy research laboratory in the world – the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden.
In 2006, when I first ran for Congress, NREL was laying off scientists because of repeated budget cuts. One my first actions when I took office was to restore and increase NREL’s funding. Since then they’ve added new facilities and hired hundreds of new staff. A robust renewable energy research environment helped Colorado attract many companies, creating thousands of green collar jobs. Promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency is good for national security, good for the climate and good for jobs.
Colorado also has vast resources of natural gas, which is cleaner than diesel fuel and coal. This is why I joined the Natural Gas Caucus in Congress. Recent natural gas technology unlocked an estimated 100-year domestic supply. Combining clean burning natural gas with solar and wind is a perfect match for utility power and our trucking fleets. This combination is win-win for both Colorado and the nation.
