State of Colorado Archives: on Energy & Oil


Alice Madden: Dire need to forge solutions to the climate crisis

Madden said, "The dire need to forge solutions to the climate crisis is the reason I entered the U.S. Senate race against Cory Gardner," Madden allowed. "It is the defining issue of our time, and it's something to which I have and will continue to dedicate my career."
Source: Westword.com on 2020 Colorado Senate race Oct 11, 2019

Alice Madden: Sense of urgency to act on addressing climate change

Madden says, "I'm driven by a sense of urgency to act on saving the environment and addressing climate change. I'm considered to be the strongest and most experienced environmental and clean-energy advocate in the race."

As these comments suggest, climate change and issues tied to it are among the most important issues for Madden; she hasn't embraced the entirety of the Green New Deal, but she sees a lot of promising elements in it that could and should be pushed forward.

Source: Westword.com on 2020 Colorado Senate race Oct 11, 2019

Angela Williams: Passed bill reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado

Earlier this year, Williams says, "we passed the climate-change action bill, which is probably one of the most aggressive and historic pieces of legislation we've passed in Colorado. It's about reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado, which was a huge victory."
Source: Westword.com on Colorado legislature voting record Aug 15, 2019

Bob Schaffer: Federal government rakes in funds from high energy prices

UDALL: You cast votes against an energy policy that would have us much closer to energy independence.

SCHAFFER: I cast votes in favor of an energy policy. The dramatic increase in revenue for the federal government right now is partially a function of the dramatic increase in energy prices. The energy industry’s marginal profit rate is about 8% right now, so as the price climbs, that 8% then creates an extraordinary amount of profit. That profit is taxed, and the windfall to the federal government as result of high energy prices is what the government is raking in right now and not spending it particularly well.

Q: When you use the phrase “on the backs of the energy companies,” you sound like they’re poor, beleaguered companies that the government is taking advantage of.

SCHAFFER: Oh, absolutely not. But the federal government is raking in funds as a result of this energy crisis. That’s one of the possible motivations why people in Washington, like Mark, have fought to drive energy prices up

Source: 2008 Colorado Senate Debate on Meet the Press Sep 28, 2008

Cary Kennedy: Oil & gas are important, but protect public health

Gov. Hickenlooper will decide by May 18 whether his Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) will appeal a court decision saying the COGCC must give more weight to health and safety than to development. How would Colorado's Democratic candidates for governor handle this important oil-and-gas court ruling

[Cary Kennedy's response:] Public health and safety must be our top priority. We can and must do more to protect public health and our communities. Given the information that is publicly available I don't believe appealing the court's ruling is consistent with that priority. This is an important industry to Colorado and I'm confident together we can do more to improve safety for workers and communities and protect public health and safety. This court ruling presents an opportunity to address the conflicting mission of the oil and gas commission and clarify the priority is public health and safety.

Source: Colorado Independent on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race May 15, 2017

Cory Gardner: Pushed for clean-tech investments

Q: Consider human-caused climate change a serious threat, and address by limiting output of greenhouse gases?

Corey Gardner: Mixed. "Humans are contributing to climate change." Will push for clean-tech investments, but voted against cutting carbon emissions from power plants.

John Hickenlooper: Yes. "The defining challenge of our time." Must face with "fierce sense of urgency." Would rejoin Paris Accord; calls for 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race Oct 10, 2020

Cory Gardner: Opposes ending coal use; would kill jobs

Gardner slammed Hickenlooper for trying to end coal, noting that such policies kill jobs. The Democratic candidate is a former petroleum geologist who wants to expand the renewable energy industry to speed the transition off fossil fuels. "He wants to put you out of work," Gardner warned energy workers of Hickenlooper.
Source: CBS-Denver on 2020 Colorado Senate debate Oct 2, 2020

Dan Baer: Address climate change, but not the Green New Deal

He's also a strong advocate for legislation to address climate change; he stops short of embracing the Green New Deal, but praises the proposal for the way it demands major progress on an urgent issue as opposed to settling for small, intermediary steps.
Source: Westword.com on 2020 Colorado Senate race Apr 30, 2019

Darryl Glenn: Welcoming energy policies; march toward energy independence

Freeing our Future by creating opportunities for everyone to pursue personal prosperity: Here's how:
Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website ElectDarrylGlenn.com Apr 14, 2016

Darryl Glenn: I do not believe that man is contributing to climate change

Q: On Climate Change: Believe that human activity is the major factor driving climate change?

Bennet: Yes

Glenn: No. Ardent climate change denier. "I do not believe that man is contributing."[2]

Q: On Climate Change: Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere?

Bennet: Yes

Glenn: No. Also advocates for defunding EPA and Department of Energy.

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Colorado Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Donna Lynne: Continue transition from fossil fuels to renewables

We've set real goals to reduce nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and other emissions in our state. We've already begun to see our energy providers make plans to speed up their transition from coal-based energy to renewables. As governor, I'll work with our energy providers to continue the transition from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy production while keeping costs low for consumers, and ensuring that we provide retraining for workers who have been affected.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial website LynneForColorado.com Sep 15, 2017

Eli Bremer: We must maintain and increase our production capabilities

We understand that protecting our environment is multi-faceted and often best understood by local or state communities rather than federal one-size-fits-all mandates. We need common sense environmental solutions that actually work rather than the window dressing and virtue signaling policies that exist today. We must maintain and increase our production capabilities in the United States and stop outsourcing them to countries with lower cleanliness standards and higher carbon emissions.
Source: 2022 Colorado Senate campaign website EliForSenate.com Jun 27, 2022

George Brauchler: Colorado joining Paris Accords is meaningless symbolism

When asked whether he would rescind the executive order if he's sworn in as governor in 18 months, Brauchler dismissed the question as meaningless. "Rescind an order that state agencies go out there and look for voluntary compliance with emission standards we don't have yet? It's hard to know if it needs to be rescinded. It's a feel-good executive order. It is far more symbolic than it is substantive. This is more like a proclamation than an executive order."
Source: ColoradoPolitics.com on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race Jul 12, 2017

Greg Lopez: Don't close coal mines to remove phantom of climate change

If you want to know what our governor is going to do just look at what California is doing and that is exactly what he is going to do. There are several coal mines that are scheduled to be closed with no consideration as to the economic devastation the closures will cause to the families in the surrounding communities. It is wrong to sacrifice the quality of lives of hard-working men and women in rural Colorado in hopes of removing the "phantom of climate change."
Source: 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website Lopez2022.com Nov 9, 2021

Heidi Ganahl: We should be producing oil and gas here in Colorado

The candidate laid out her legislative priorities, if elected Colorado's next governor. "The first thing we have to do is deal with affordability in Colorado," she told us, explaining, "Number one, we've got to get our oil and gas workers back to work to address the rising cost of gas. There is no reason we shouldn't be producing oil and gas here in Colorado versus buying it in Iran or Russia. That's ridiculous."
Source: The Village on 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial race Jun 2, 2022

Jared Polis: 100% renewable energy by 2040

As governor, my goal is to accomplish our statewide clean energy transition by 2040 while saving people money on their utility bills and creating green energy jobs in Colorado that can never be outsourced. For our climate, for our national security, for our health, and for our economic growth we need a bold goal of 100% renewable energy.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial website PolisForColorado.com

Jared Polis: Increase regulatory incentives for renewables

Q: Consider climate change a critical threat, so limit the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere? Support participation in U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to climate change action?

Jared Polis (D): Yes to limiting greenhouse gases. Supports participation in Alliance. Introduced "100 by `50 Act" to transition to 100% clean and renewable energy by 2050.

Walker Stapleton (R): No to limiting greenhouse gases. Says a major reason he is running is to "offer a full-throated defense of the state's oil-and-gas industry against [those] that want it regulated more tightly."

Q: Support government investment in renewable energy?

Polis: Yes. Increase regulatory incentives for energy efficiency & renewables.

Stapleton: No. Favors "free enterprise & open & competitive marketplace."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Colorado Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Jared Polis: Climate change threatens decreased snowpack for ski industry

Climate change is a scientific reality. It's real. There's no pretending otherwise for farmers and ranchers who are facing historic water shortages. There's no pretending otherwise for the 46,000 women and men who work in Colorado's ski industry and see their jobs threatened by decreased snowpack. And there will be no pretending otherwise in this administration. We're going to confront this challenge head-on--not only because we must, but because we want to take advantage of the huge opportunities associated with being a leader in the growing green-energy economy.

I launched my campaign for Governor at an all-solar coffee-roasting small business, just 10 miles from the Vestas Wind Turbine factory. I did so to demonstrate that our commitment to reaching 100% renewable energy by 2040 is not just about climate change. It's about saving money for consumers with cheaper energy, and it's about making sure the good-paying green jobs of the future are created right here in Colorado.

Source: 2019 State of the State address to Colorado legislature Jan 10, 2019

Jared Polis: We all need to lead on clean air and climate

If we want to preserve our way of life for future generations, then we all need to lead on clean air and climate. That's why we have taken bold action to put us on the path to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040. This is what the renewable energy future looks like: innovating, growing jobs, growing opportunity, saving people money, and doing our part to reduce the harmful effects of climate change and local air pollution in the process.
Source: 2020 Colorado State of the State address Jan 9, 2020

Jared Polis: Colorado is a national leader in green energy jobs

The private sector is already turning away from fossil fuels and looking forward to a clean energy future. To date, we've successfully secured commitments from electric utilities representing 99% of generation in our state to reduce emissions 80% or more by 2030. Colorado is a national leader in green energy jobs, the fastest growing job sector, precisely because we have embraced renewable energy.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature Feb 17, 2021

Joe O`Dea: No government subsidies for transition to renewable energy

O'Dea, who acknowledges that climate change is real and that it's caused by humans, said he thinks the U.S. will move toward a renewable energy system. "We're gonna move away from fossil fuels, (but) I don't know that we're going to it the next 100 years," he said. O'Dea said he doesn't support government subsidies to help hasten the renewable energy transition.
Source: Colorado Sun on 2022 Colorado Senate race Jun 21, 2022

John Hickenlooper: Develop unconventional technology for extracting shale oil

Colorado's energy sector holds tremendous promise. We continue to build on the state's reputation as a leader in promoting solar, wind and renewable energies and developing cleaner fossil fuels. Colorado is blessed with abundant reserves of natural gas. With new discoveries in the Niobrara formation and technologies for extracting shale oil, we are poised to be a leader in unconventional energy technology as well.
Source: Colorado 2012 State of the State Address Jan 12, 2012

John Hickenlooper: Fracking opens new era of energy; but disclose ingredients

We also start the year with the country's strongest and fairest rule disclosing the ingredients in the "fracking" process. The old geologist in me is champing at the bit to go into detail about this process. Suffice it to say that this is a drilling procedure that has opened the door to a whole new era of energy development that can lead to more jobs, cleaner air and energy security for our country and the world. The ideas and innovations that created this revolution all occurred in Colorado.
Source: Colorado 2012 State of the State Address Jan 12, 2012

John Hickenlooper: Colorado Energy Office: efficiency and renewables

Colorado Energy Office: efficiency and renewables Many scientists believe that our severe drought, the bark beetle epidemic and the terrible fire season are further evidence of climate change. While no state can address the issue in isolation, reducing pollutants and promoting sustainable development,
Source: 2013 Colorado State of the State address Jan 10, 2013

John Hickenlooper: Innovative drilling technology for abundant natural gas

Innovative drilling technology for abundant natural gas Colorado's economic welfare depends on how effective we are in developing all of our resources. Our physical welfare requires we protect public health and safety as we develop these resources. We can reduce carbon emissions, create good-paying jobs Innovative drilling technology for abundant natural gas communities to create agreements and oversee local inspections. What doesn't work is a patchwork of rules and regulations.

Because of innovations in drilling technology, cheaper, abundant natural gas is helping to make America energy secure for the

Source: 2013 Colorado State of the State address Jan 10, 2013

John Hickenlooper: Pursuing renewables; solar and wind

Upholding the highest public health and environmental standards, while promoting innovative energy development, is a cornerstone of our energy strategy. That means moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future and Colorado has already risen to this challenge. We're a leader in the pursuit and promise of renewable energy. Sunrun is bringing 800 new solar jobs to our state. And Vestas Wind Systems added 350 new jobs at their Windsor, Brighton and Pueblo facilities.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Colorado legislature Jan 14, 2016

John Hickenlooper: Reduce greenhouse gas by 26% by 2025 and 35% by 2030

Gov. Hickenlooper declared that Colorado would join the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition supporting a global climate agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Hickenlooper's order set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2025 compared with 2012 levels and by 35 percent by 2030. He maintained that cheap natural gas and increasingly competitive wind and solar power cost would allow the state to achieve the goals, which are similar to those set in the 2015 Paris Accord.

Source: ColoradoPolitics.com on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race Jul 12, 2017

John Hickenlooper: Close coal plants: cleaner air AND lower utility bills

The responsibility to be good stewards doesn't only fall on rural parts of the state. It rests with all of us. Xcel has submitted a plan to close two coals plants in Pueblo. This will clean our air and lower costs for consumers--and lead to greater investments that support twenty-first-century careers. What is it the critics don't like? Is it the cleaner air or the lower utility bills? Clean air matters.
Source: 2018 State of the State address to the Colorado legislature Jan 11, 2018

John Hickenlooper: 100% renewable energy economy by 2050

Hickenlooper calls for transition to a 100% renewable energy economy with net-zero emissions by 2050, with an interim goal of a 43% reduction below 2005 levels in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. He will work to transition to a green economy through investment in government-funded climate technology research and development, a transition to electric vehicles, and develop a workforce focused on transitioning out of the fossil fuel industry into green jobs.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Colorado Senate race Nov 3, 2020

John Hickenlooper: Climate change a threat, green energy means new jobs

The two men also argued about energy, with Gardner renewing accusations that Hickenlooper, a former petroleum geologist, would end 230,000 jobs in the fossil fuel industry because of fears of climate change. Hickenlooper called climate change "an existential threat" and argued an investment in green energy would create a record number of new jobs.
Source: Denver Post on 2020 Colorado Senate debate Oct 6, 2020

John Hickenlooper: Calls for 100% renewable energy by 2050

Q: Consider human-caused climate change a serious threat, and address by limiting output of greenhouse gases?

John Hickenlooper: Yes. "The defining challenge of our time." Must face with "fierce sense of urgency." Would rejoin Paris Accord; calls for 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Corey Gardner: Mixed. "Humans are contributing to climate change." Will push for clean-tech investments, but voted against cutting carbon emissions from power plants.

Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race Oct 10, 2020

John Walsh: Colorado's large permanent snowfields are gone by mid-summer

Climate change is threatening all of us. We're not powerless to address it. John grew up in Colorado and grew up hiking and climbing in the high country and all over Colorado. Like all Coloradans, he treasures our public lands and wilderness -- which make Colorado the wonderful place it is, and make our Colorado way of life possible.

But the Colorado we know and love is changing, along with the rest of the world. John remembers as a teenager hiking and climbing on and around the large permanent snowfields and glaciers that were scattered throughout our high mountains. Today, in those same places, the snow is often gone by mid-summer, and glaciers like the Arapaho Glacier in the Indian Peaks are a tiny remnant of what they used to be.

Source: 2020 Senate campaign website JohnWalshForColorado.com May 19, 2019

Jon Keyser: Energy security=national security; all-of-the-above policy

As a veteran, Jon believes energy security = national security. With every step we take toward energy security and independence, we help ensure Colorado families can grow and prosper.

Like any sound investment portfolio, we need to make sure we have a diverse energy portfolio, which includes safely and responsibly developing our natural resources and utilizing renewable energy sources. We need to make room for innovators and entrepreneurs to spark an energy revolution that will help ensure our safety and security.

Colorado has a large role to play in putting the United States on the path to energy security and independence. As a former roughneck working on an oil and gas rig on the Western Slope, Jon has firsthand experience with how critical the energy industry is to Colorado's economy.

As a US Senator, Jon will fight for a true all-of-the-above energy policy and advocate for the national security and economic security advantages that energy independence will bring to the US.

Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website JonKeyser.com Feb 3, 2016

Mark Udall: We need comprehensive plan, not just oil & gas development

SCHAFFER: The dramatic increase in revenue for the federal government right now is partially a function of the dramatic increase in energy prices. The energy industry's marginal profit rate is taxed, and the windfall is raked in by the federal government That's one of the possible motivations why people in Washington, like Mark, have fought to drive energy prices up, that this pays off government.

UDALL: That's laughable. Congressman Schaffer's an oil and gas executive. Of course he's going to take the side of the oil and gas industry. If you want maintenance of the existing energy policy we have in this country, which is focused on oil and gas development of fossil fuels, then you ought to hire Schaffer. If you want a comprehensive plan, if you want to throw the kitchen sink at this where we take a fresh look at nuclear and we develop clean coal supplies and we invest deeply in renewables and in conservation, we also drill responsibly, I'm going to be the senator that's going to pursue that.

Source: 2008 Colorado Senate Debate on Meet the Press Sep 28, 2008

Mark Udall: We're prepared to put a price on carbon

Sen. Mark Udall twice ignored a question from Gardner about how much people should pay to help reduce greenhouse gases. "We're prepared to put a price on carbon," Udall said. "The last time we put a price on pollutants was under the leadership of the first President Bush. We developed new technologies and we moved this country forward. We have the lowest energy prices in the country right now in Colorado. We're up to this challenge."
Source: Denver Post on 2014 Colorado Senate debate Oct 6, 2014

Mike Johnston: Balance oil & gas extraction with public safety

Gov. Hickenlooper will decide by May 18 whether his Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) will appeal a court decision saying the COGCC must give more weight to health and safety than to development. How would Colorado's Democratic candidates for governor handle this important oil-and-gas court ruling

[Mike Johnston's response:] These student leaders have made the important point that seems so clear in light of the Firestone catastrophe: Our first responsibility is to protect the health and safety of all Coloradans and then balance the reasonable extraction of our state's natural resources against that public safety. The appellate court made clear that is the plain language of the statute, and I don't see why anyone would fight the state's commitment to ensure that public safety

Source: Colorado Independent on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race May 15, 2017

Mike Johnston: State should promote natural energy

Mike championed legislation requiring 30% of our state's electricity to come from renewable sources and he voted to include rural electric associations. In 2011, Mike created a commission to streamline where power lines are set in order to make possible the more aggressive expansion of wind and solar resources in rural Colorado. He fought to expand the size of tax credits for electric vehicles and made it easier for consumers to cash those in when they buy their cars.
Source: 2018 Colorado Governor website MikeJohnstonForColorado.com Sep 1, 2017

Mike Johnston: Fund green homes and offices

In 2011, Mike proposed a clean energy improvement financing program that helps customers pay for home improvements if it leads to more energy efficiency. He fought for increased transparency with building energy performance and he allocated funds to improve the energy efficiency of state buildings.

In 2010, he brought legislation that successfully required new homes to have water-saving features. He supported adding hydroelectricity as a source of energy for public utilities.

Source: 2018 Colorado Governor website MikeJohnstonForColorado.com Sep 1, 2017

Noel Ginsburg: Develop oil & gas resources while protecting environment

Gov. Hickenlooper will decide by May 18 whether his Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) will appeal a court decision saying the COGCC must give more weight to health and safety than to development. How would Colorado's Democratic candidates for governor handle this important oil-and-gas court ruling

[Noel Ginsburg's response:] We need to do what's right for Colorado. We should have clear oil & gas regulations that allow for the development of our natural resources while protecting our land, air, and health. Ensuring that Colorado has those kinds of regulations will be a continuing process, and I am committed to ensuring that all voices have a seat at the table as we work together to protect public safety, preserve Colorado's beauty for future generations, respect property rights, and promote reasonable regulations.

Source: Colorado Independent on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race May 15, 2017

Peg Littleton: Supports all-of-the above energy policy

I have and will continue to support an all-of-the above energy policy. I will protect traditional fuels while supporting progress and innovation in wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear and other sources of sustainable power. As a commissioner for Colorado's most populous county, I voted for wind power and solar gardens, and to minimize onerous regulations of oil exploration in a manner that vigilantly protected the water supply.

As part of my dedication to job growth and affordable energy for households and businesses, I would support responsible efforts to revive the Keystone XL pipeline.

Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website PegLittleton.com Feb 3, 2016

Ron Hanks: Saw benefits of energy independence, hydraulic fracturing

When not deployed or in uniform, Ron worked in the oilfields of North Dakota, witnessing first-hand the benefits of American energy independence, the merits of hydraulic fracturing, and the spirit and know-how of blue-collar America.
Source: 2022 Colorado Senate campaign website HanksForColorado.com Mar 29, 2022

Ron Hanks: Clean, green, safe nuclear is answer to many of our problems

From the 2010 VoteSmart Political Courage Test California Congressional survey:

Q: Do you support federal funding for the development of alternative energy, including nuclear reactors, which you called "green energy" in the Vote Smart answer?

A: Hanks cited "Very limited funding, for purposes of national security research," and "clean, green, safe nuclear is an answer to many of our problems." No change, he added Monday.

Source: Colorado Politics on 2022 Colorado Senate race Apr 19, 2021

Ryan Frazier: Embrace American energy independence

We can achieve 4% economic growth by creating millions of better paying jobs by fixing our tax code and embracing American energy independence. Opportunity for all.
Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website FrazierForColorado.com Feb 3, 2016

Steve Barlock: Water power, but not wind power

He thinks the next governor should tackle Colorado's dwindling water as the population grows by going to court to fight for water rights. He also will demand more hydroelectric power and wants to see fewer subsidized wind turbines.
Source: Colorado Independent on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race Sep 5, 2017

Steve Barlock: State should not pick favorites in clean energy

I'm all for clean energy. We are a leader in Colorado. We have great outdoors, and that's what we're all about--keeping our environment clean. But when we have to give tax breaks to companies to come into Colorado to compete with other people in Colorado, I'm against that. I'm against picking winners and losers, such as solar panels being tax-free in the state of Colorado.
Source: Westword.com on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race Aug 17, 2017

Tim Neville: EPA's war on oil, gas and coal kills jobs

The federal government should not impose energy choices on the states through regulatory force or economic coercion. I believe in an `all of the above` approach. Picking winners and losers and overregulation ends up raising energy costs, having a negative impact on hard working families, with the hardest hit being the poor. The EPA's war on proven energy sources like oil, gas and coal kills jobs and cripples entire communities.
Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website, NevilleForSenate.com Oct 9, 2015

Tom Strickland: Restrict nuclear waste shipment

Strickland believes that the proposed plan to ship high-level nuclear waste across the country over a 24-year period, including potentially substantial amounts through Colorado, to be stored at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, poses a dangerous threat to citizens in Colorado. Strickland believes that a final transportation plan, complete with a security risk assessment by the FBI and input from local law enforcement officials along the affected routes, should be put in place before Senators cast a vote on this issue. In the current environment, when we are now painfully aware of the horrific creativity of terrorists and their ability to accomplish what was previously unthinkable ? Strickland believes it would be irresponsible for a Senator representing Colorado to vote to approve this plan before all safety issues are resolved.
Source: StricklandForColorado.com, "Issues: Yucca Mountain" Sep 25, 2002

Tom Strickland: Enforce environmental regs and address global warming

Tom will work to address the global warming challenge and to provide new tools and resources to help communities reduce traffic congestion, preserve open space, and grow in ways that ensure a high quality of life. Tom will also be a strong advocate of protecting air and water quality through strengthening and enforcing the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. And he'll fight to make sure that polluters, not the tax-payers, pay to clean up polluted sites.
Source: StricklandForColorado.com, "Issues: Environment" Sep 25, 2002

Victor Mitchell: Repeal misguided Paris Accords order on Day One

When asked whether he would rescind the executive order if he's sworn in as governor in 18 months, Mitchell responded, "When I am elected Governor, I will repeal this misguided order on Day 1."

"We all want clean air, but Hickenlooper's rogue mandate is not the answer. It will cost Colorado jobs and hit every consumer in the wallet. And all this harm for unknown benefits. Say NO loudly to this politically motivated action by our lame duck Governor."

Source: ColoradoPolitics.com on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race Jul 12, 2017

Walker Stapleton: Work with energy industry and protect energy resources

Colorado is blessed with an abundance of natural resources: coal, oil, gas, as well as wind, sunshine and rivers that are not only a part of our way of life, but a vital supply of energy. Our state has become a pioneer in balancing responsible economic development with environmental stewardship. As Governor, I will work with the energy industry with an understanding that new technology and innovation drive constant changes to the business practices of the industry.
Source: 2018 gubernatorial campaign website StapletonForColorado.com Jun 23, 2018

Walker Stapleton: Full-throated defense of oil-and-gas deregulation

Q: Consider climate change a critical threat, so limit the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere? Support participation in U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to climate change action?

Jared Polis (D): Yes to limiting greenhouse gases. Supports participation in Alliance. Introduced "100 by `50 Act" to transition to 100% clean and renewable energy by 2050.

Walker Stapleton (R): No to limiting greenhouse gases. Says a major reason he is running is to "offer a full-throated defense of the state's oil-and-gas industry against [those] that want it regulated more tightly."

Q: Support government investment in renewable energy?

Polis: Yes. Increase regulatory incentives for energy efficiency & renewables.

Stapleton: No. Favors "free enterprise & open & competitive marketplace."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Colorado Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Jared Polis: We simply must end our reliance on costly fossil fuels

We have already secured more than 80% renewable energy by 2030. By the time Colorado is 150 years old, we look forward to having a clear path to 100% renewable energy by 2040. I'm proud to propose $120 million annually in new, clean energy tax credits. We can improve our air quality, accelerate innovation, and make more rapid progress towards our goals, while saving people money at the pump and on their utility bills, and increasing access to clean, low-cost transportation options.

The only long-term solution is to continue pursuing low-cost, reliable, renewable energy. We simply must end our reliance on costly fossil fuels, improve energy security, and save people money. This is why the Electric vehicle and e-bike tax credits I'm proposing are so important, and why we've focused on increasing access to electric vehicles and transit options since day one.

Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature Jan 17, 2023

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