GOV. RITTER SAYS $100M FOR NREL WILL ADVANCE NEW ENERGY ECONOMY

GOLDEN -- Gov. Bill Ritter said today that the $100 million in Recovery Act funds for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory announced by US Energy Secretary Steven Chu will spur innovation in the New Energy Economy, commercialize new technologies and create new sustainable jobs all across Colorado.

 

Gov. Ritter toured NREL with Secretary Chu before the announcement, calling NREL a key partner in Colorado's New Energy Economy and a driving force in Colorado's internationally recognized clean-energy research corridor.

 

"We in Colorado have made developing a New Energy Economy a top priority these past few years," Gov. Ritter said. "We're creating thousands of new jobs, attracting countless new companies, and leading America toward a new, more diverse and more secure energy future.

 

"The funding announced by Secretary Chu today will advance the research and development of transformative technologies that will lead to sustainable jobs, a stronger economy and a cleaner environment.

 

"As we undertake the hard work of re-tooling our entire economy, America is extremely fortunate to have a scientist and researcher like Secretary Chu leading the Energy Department. Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for your understanding, your passion and your vision, because it's that vision that will carry this country to where it needs to go."