Date: 02/23/2006
Final
First Meeting
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON -- SELECT -- STRATEGIC RENEWABLE ENERGY
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11:43 AM -- Call to Order
Representative Solano, Chair, welcomed the committee and described the purpose of the committee. She also invited U.S. Senator Ken Salazar to address the committee.
11:45 AM
U.S. Senator Ken Salazar described his efforts to increase U.S. energy independence through conservation, efficiency, and the promotion of renewable energy. He explained that on January 11, 2006, he hosted a renewable energy summit with over 500 participants including members of Colorado’s and the Nation’s renewable energy industries, research institutions, agricultural, rural and nonprofit organizations and corporations. He also described renewable energy research performed at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and identified renewable energy projects in Colorado including the construction of an ethanol plant in Sterling, Colorado.
11:59 AM
Senator Salazar responded to a committee member's request to increase timber management on federal lands to control the spread of harmful insects and provide fuel for bio-mass energy production. He also commented on federal appropriations for NREL and identified federal incentives for auto manufactures to increase the use of alternative fuels. Senator Salazar urged the committee to establish an authority to fund renewable energy projects similar to the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority (Section 37-98-101, C.R.S., et seq.) that provides grants and low interest loans for public water projects.
12:14 PM - Establish Agenda for Upcoming Meetings
Representative Solano proposed that the committee meet at 1:30 PM on the following dates: March 22, April 12, and April 26. She also solicited recommendations for agenda topics from the committee. Suggestions include receiving updates on implementation of Amendment 37 and NREL activities, and identifying incentives to encourage renewable energy production and identifying regulations that may impose unnecessary obstacles to improving energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies. Meetings are tentatively scheduled to be held in the Old Supreme Court Chamber on the second floor of the State Capitol Building. Agenda will be posted prior to each meeting on the Colorado General Assembly's website at www.leg.state.co.us.
12:35 PM
The meeting was adjourned.