WHY A NEW ENERGY ECONOMY

The 4 E’s of a New Energy Economy
Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., December 19, 2011 (Clean Edge)

"…[Colorado is] the American manufacturing home to the world’s largest wind turbine company, Vestas Wind Systems…[and] to some of the world’s leading renewable energy companies…[and] smart grid companies…[O]ur primary utility, Xcel Energy, is the country’s leader in wind energy…[E]ach state has the opportunity to achieve their own New Energy Economy…[and] advance what I call the “Four Es”: Energy Security, Economic Security, Environmental Security, and Equity.

"…[E]nergy efficiency as well as clean, domestic, secure, and renewable energy sources can reduce our heavy dependence on foreign oil, and on aging, high-emitting coal plants – and perhaps one day eliminate them entirely…[O]ur troops in the field risk their lives to transport diesel fuel to power remote generators in dangerous parts of the world. We owe them an alternative…"

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"…[A New Energy] economy creates jobs and economic prosperity…[D]uring the Great Recession [Colorado] actually saw growth in one industry: the clean-tech/clean-energy industry…[Perhaps] no industry in the world…faces a more significant opportunity to modernize and change than the energy industry. ..America should be at the forefront of that effort…

"There is perhaps no greater challenge facing the next generation than reducing harmful emissions associated with energy generation and consumption. We continue to see the staggering impacts of climate change throughout the globe…We have an obligation to future generations…Inaction at the federal level means states need to lead…[And] we need to ensure that our move to clean energy is not achieved on the backs of our poorest citizens…[But to naysayers who] say that we can’t afford clean energy…I would argue we can’t afford not to pursue a new energy agenda. It is up to our generation to recognize and address the challenges of the 21st century with 21st century technologies…"