On The Issues - 2010

Clean Coal Technologies

Coal, oil and gas have been the major basis for energy in America for generations and continue to be the primary resources for energy production today. Colorado is the energy epicenter of the United States, home to many of our country's largest reserves of hydrocarbons including coal, oil and natural gas. Although there are individuals who would prefer to see these industries eliminated completely because of their carbon footprints, I believe traditional hydrocarbons, hydro-power, wind and solar projects can coexists with each other offering unique and substantial energy contributions for the families of Colorado. Cleaner hydrocarbon technologies are around the corner and utility companies want to investigate those technologies associated with the sequestration and storage of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) in traditional energy production.

To address the policy issues associated with these technologies, Gov. Bill Ritter has announced the formation of Colorado's Carbon Capture and Sequestration Task Force and I am excited to announce that HD19 and the Pikes Peak Region will have a seat on that committee! I along with three other legislators; Sen. White (R-Hayden), Rep. Levy (D-Boulder) and Sen. Schwartz (D-Aspen) will study and recommend policy changes related to ownership of the pore space in which the CO₂ would be injected and stored; who should own the CO₂ once injected into the geologic formations; and the environmental and health protections associated with geologic CO₂ sequestration. Other members of the task force include representatives from the utility, coal, oil and gas industries; conservation community and several of Gov. Ritter's cabinet members.

Colorado will continue to be a major contributor in energy production well into the 21^st century if we permit our utility companies and hydrocarbon industries to responsibly and reasonably move forward with ideas and projects to clean up the Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) in their energy production. By allowing cleaner coal technologies Colorado's utility companies will continue to provide affordable solutions to energy production well into the next in century. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and work on behalf of the citizens of HD19 on reasonable solutions to our energy needs!