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 Tony's Newsletter

From Colorado Working Landscapes, January 5, 2004, Volume 1, Issue 2

 

This newsletter supports the Colorado Renewable Energy Coalition's Rural Initiative by bringing information to rural constituencies throughout Colorado's 2004 Legislative Session.  If you would like to be added to the distribution list or taken off please send an email to frank@workinglandscapes.com.

 

Rural Leaders sponsoring five community forums in January on the emerging opportunities for rural economic growth through renewable energy development. 

This week, community forums will take place in Akron, on Thursday, January 8 and in Burlington, on Friday, January 9.  By attending one of these forums you will meet state and local leaders discussing Colorado's renewable energy potential, local and state initiatives, the economics of renewable energy and needed local action.  Three additional forums will be held later in January at Greeley, Monte Vista and Grand Junction.

 

The forums' sponsors include Colorado Farm Bureau, Rocky Mountain Farmer's Union, Independent Bankers of Colorado, Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management & Conservation, CSU Cooperative Extension, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts, Colorado League of RC&D Councils, East Central RC&D, Washington County Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Burlington. 

 

Upcoming Community Forums:  "Colorado's Energy Harvest: What's Next?"

Akron - Thursday, January 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Washington County Events Center, 552 W. Second  

Burlington - Friday, January 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Old Town Museum, 420 S. 14th Street

 

Greeley - Monday, January 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Weld County Extension Office, Island Grove Park, 525 N. 15th Avenue

Monte Vista - Tuesday, January 20, Monte Vista Cooperative, 1601 E. Highway 160 

Grand Junction - Wednesday, January 21, Mesa State Liff Auditorium

 

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In the Hands of Rural Leaders

“Rural economic development is my passion and why the Colorado Legislature needs to adopt a Renewable Energy Standard,” explained Speaker of the House Lola Spradley to a group of rural leaders.  The Bill she will introduce this month would create an immediate market for electricity generated from wind, solar, small hydro and biomass.  Over the next 10 years rural investment totaling one billion dollars could be expected.

 

While a similar bill passed the House by a substantial margin last year, it failed in the Senate. The big question is whether rural senators will support Spradley’s bill.  In many respects, the fate of the Renewable Energy Standard legislation is in the hands of rural leaders.

 

While many rural organizations are in support of the bill, the Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA) remains opposed even though its member REA’s are exempt from the Bill’s provisions. Only Xcel Energy and Aquila are subject to the bill and both have testified in support.

 

Language added to this year’s Bill insures that the four REA’s purchasing power from Xcel are protected from possible rate impacts associated with the Renewable Energy Standard.  This new language addresses the stated source of CREA’s opposition and should improve chances for the Bill’s adoption.  Now, hopefully, rural leaders can become more united in their passion for economic development.

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Upcoming Events:

(Future newsletters will provide additional information on the events listed below)

  

2004 Colorado Agricultural Outlook Forum

"Profits Outside the Box:  Agri-Energy and Beyond"

Renaissance Denver Hotel - 3801 Quebec Street

Thursday, February 19, 2004

 

To register or for more information go to www.coloradoagforum.com.

 

Colorado Wind and Distributed Energy: Renewables for Rural Prosperity Conference (CWADE)

Doubletree Hotel, in Colorado Springs

April 13-14, 2004

This second biennial conference is being held by the Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) and the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Powering America. 

 

For more information contact Megan Castle, Public Information Office, megan.castle@state.co.us, 303-894-2383 x1211.

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Colorado Working Landscapes (CWL), a private non-profit corporation, is a landowner-driven public policy forum where multiple viewpoints can be expressed and shared understanding achieved leading to win-win solutions to land use and other natural resource issues.