GeoStar Solar

http://www.colorado.gov/governor/speeches/2007/state-of-state-jan11.html - Complete text of Gov. Ritter's first "State of the State" address. See below for exerpt concerning alternative energy:

LEGISLATIVE, POLICY AND BUDGET AGENDA
I. New Energy Economy

Our calling card to the 21st century must be the New Energy Economy. People all across Colorado are excited about the possibility of creating jobs, adding economic value to the state and establishing Colorado as a national leader in renewable energy. This is our chance to build a New Energy Economy in Colorado.

Fossil fuels will continue to be a major part of our energy economy. But with our abundant supplies of wind, sun and crops, renewable energy plays an important role. It’s how we create new jobs and stimulate the ailing economies of the Eastern Plains and San Luis Valley. It’s how we breathe new economic life into our farms. It’s one way to give new economic relevance to our colleges and universities. It’s how we prepare our workforce for 21st century industries.

All around the country, states are already making great headway. This means competition and urgency. Energy is today’s version of the space race of the ‘60s and the technology race of the ‘80s and ‘90s. We have a head start because of our natural resources, our intellectual resources and our entrepreneurial spirit.

Last year, the legislature and governor wisely created the “Collaboratory,” linking some of our finest research facilities – NREL, CU, CSU and Mines – to harness the tremendous intellectual power here in Colorado.

Now we must do everything possible to ensure that the futuristic technology coming from the labs and the classrooms is transferred to the marketplace. And it’s already happening. Private companies are knocking on our door wanting to build the biggest wind farms and solar parks in the country right here in Colorado.

All we’re missing is a state government to lead, to inspire and to invest. If we miss this opportunity, we miss the opportunity of a lifetime. We cannot fail, so I am proposing several immediate initiatives.

• By executive order, I will adopt the Western Governor’s Association’s recent resolution calling for a 20 percent improvement in the efficiency of electricity use statewide by 2020.
  
  
• I look forward to seeing legislation co-sponsored by Senator Fitz-Gerald, Representative Cory Gardner and Representative McFadyen that will solve one of the biggest challenges when it comes to clean energy – loading it onto the grid. Getting wind energy on the wires will be one of my highest priorities.
  
  
• I’m eager to see the bill from Senator Schwartz and Representative Pommer that will double the renewable energy requirements of Amendment 37.
  
  
• I’m excited about the possible creation of a Colorado Clean Energy Fund that will help with the technology transfer of research to the marketplace and finally into our communities, homes and businesses.
  
  
• State government also will lead by example. We must convert our vehicle fleets to hybrid or flex-fuels as they are replaced. We must increase the use of bio-fuels which are produced right here in Colorado. All new and renovated state buildings must comply with higher energy-efficiency standards and become High Performance Buildings.
  
  
• Finally, each year, I will recognize the remarkable people, businesses, institutions and nonprofits who work in the renewable energy field. Today, I am happy to announce the creation of the Governor’s Excellence in Renewable Energy Award.