Final
Renewable Energy Technologies & Econ. Development
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Votes:
Action Taken:
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11:27 AM -- Renewable Energy Technologies and Economic Development, Dr. Dan Arvizu, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Dr. Dan Arvizu, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), discussed renewable energy and economic development in Colorado. A copy of his presentation was distributed to the committee (Attachment K). He stated that Colorado has tremendous opportunities in the renewable energy industry. He stated that it is just a matter of how fast economies develop their renewable energy industry and which states benefit. He provided information on NREL. He explained that current energy usage is 62 percent inefficient. He commented on the options available for dealing with declining natural resources and increasing energy demand and the opportunities in Colorado for renewable energy development.
Dr. Arvizu continued by explaining that states have begun to develop their own renewable energy policies because of the lack of a federal policy. He discussed renewable energy sources in Colorado, including windpower, solar power, and from ethanol. He explained that public policy is needed to enable the development of renewable energy resources. Policy makers need to think about where to devote resources and how to manage them. He commented on the need for improvement in the education system to ensure that there is renewable energy industry workforce available in the future. Colorado has the necessary entrepreneurial spirt, it just needs to devote resources to education and business development to make sure it becomes a leader in the renewable industry. If Colorado develops clear policy objectives and a strategic plan, it can accomplish renewable energy goals. He commented on states that are doing the right things to help the development of the renewable energy industry, such as New York and California.