As the energy crisis looms over this year's election, statehouse Republicans hosted a panel discussion today to address the high price of fuel. At the forefront of that discussion: how domestic energy exploration can alleviate skyrocketing gas prices.
RitterFTS Staff Photo
The panel, sponsored by the Republican Study Committee of Colorado, met in the state Capitol's Old Supreme Court Chambers to discuss the drawbacks and advantages to both traditional sources of energy and new alternatives.
Republicans have been loggerheads with Gov. Bill Ritter due to his continued reluctance toward energy development across the state. Organizers of the panel said they brought together speakers from academia, think tanks, and energy industry experts to come up with a more realistic approach to Gov. Ritter’s much-promoted New Energy Economy.
Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, says he hopes Ritter will take into account the important role oil and gas play in alleviating high gas prices.
“I think the governor is right when he says we need more wind, we need solar,” Penry said. “Where he’s wrong is in turning his back, almost declaring war on convention fossil fuel-type energies which we need in the short term.”
Meanwhile, outside on the Capitol's west steps, Ritter held a press conference with Xcel Energy where he stood with Boulder Mayor Shaun McGrath to unveil the new SmartGridCity, an overhaul of the existing power grid Ritter said promises to provide more green forms of energy to consumers. Ritter said the new system is a “prime example” of his "New Energy Economy" at work.
McGrath was even more optimistic about the new technology, saying he hopes it will eventually lead to a hybrid car in every garage.
“It allows us to move away from traditional cars to plug-in electrics,” said McGrath. “It also means a lot to Boulder’s economy.”