GOV. RITTER URGES BIPARTISAN SUPPORT OF SEN. UDALL ENERGY AMENDMENT

 

Gov. Bill Ritter today thanked Sen. Mark Udall for introducing an amendment to the federal recovery package that would restore State Energy Program funding in the Senate version to the level passed in the House.

 

"This is one of our highest priorities in the recovery package and I'm grateful Sen. Udall has introduced this important amendment," Gov. Ritter said. "I urge members of both parties to support the amendment, as it represents a remarkable opportunity to create jobs, train workers and reduce families' utility costs.

 

"Colorado will put this money to work quickly through public-private partnerships with utilities, contractors and energy-service companies so we can put people to work quickly," Gov. Ritter said. "Strengthening and accelerating America's transition to a New Energy Economy today will help get our economy back on track for the long-term."

 

The State Energy Program (SEP) provides U.S. Department of Energy funds to state energy offices for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in every sector of the economy. For every federal dollar invested, more than $7 in direct energy savings is achieved.

 

The House version calls for $3.4 billion for SEPs nationwide, including $54.9 million for Colorado. The Senate version initially called for $500 million nationwide and $8.1 million for Colorado.

 

Gov. Ritter also thanked Sen. Udall for introducing amendments regarding forest health and clean water, two job-creating priorities included in a letter from Gov. Ritter to Colorado's congressional delegation earlier this week.