• Category: Colorado
• Published Date

Early in the keynote address at the Colorado Renewable Energy Conference in Pueblo, Congressman Udall spoke optimistically about a green bipartisan effort for legislative action. He said, "Red or Blue doesn't matter; mix red and blue colors and you get green!" and expressed an optimism about the future based on his observation that both Democratic and Republican candidates for President will be more supportive of green initiatives than President Bush has been. Congressman Udall reported that the Energy Caucus in the House of Representatives now numbers 218 and will soon reach a critical mass for better energy legislation. He said, "we have to develop a diverse and balanced policy." In his opinion, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has been the nation's premiere source of research relevant to finding solutions to our energy issues, but he wants to provide better funding for the lab partly through minimizing "earmarks" which divert funds to home state favorites which may or may not fit into a plan best for the nation.

Congressman Udall talked about incredible business opportunities that are derivative to pursuing a green path. The world market for green products is projected to be in the trillions of dollars. Fred Krupp's book "Earth: The Sequel" details many examples of business opportunities.

The needed legislative initiatives include: incentives for renewable energy and energy conservation; Renewable Electricity Standards; increased fuel economy standards; and, cap & trade carbon. He also supports creating funding for people to upgrade the energy footprint of homes at the time of purchase.

Congressman Udall spoke of opportunities to capitalize on the fact that our military is the largest user of energy and our government. Rather than take a negative approach, he spoke positively of the efforts taken by our military leaders and government bureaucrats which need to be encouraged through executive leadership and legislative action.

Exhibits at the conference provided support for Udall