Homegrown Renewable Energy The Focus Of Rep. Musgrave's Listening Session

Press Release

Homegrown Renewable Energy The Focus Of Rep. Musgrave's Listening Session

Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave (CO-04) held a listening session to promote renewable energy, gathering experts from around Colorado who provided input on homegrown renewable fuel sources, local research and technology, protection of our environment, and the promotion of Colorado's rural economies.

"For too long, our nation has relied on unstable parts of the world for its energy. With advancements in technology we have the ability to grow fuel right here in Colorado," said Musgrave. "For the security of the U.S., the future stability of our economy and the health of our environment we must make changes.

"Colorado is well suited to be a national leader in developing homegrown fuels because of our abundant agricultural resources as well as our top-rated research facilities and universities. The insights provided today were very informative and will help me as Congress takes a closer look at ways to promote sustainable renewable energy production."

Today's event included a wide selection of panelists with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and provide input directly to their elected Representative. Today's event is one of many the Congresswoman is holding to re-connect with local residents and hear their input.

During this session of Congress, Musgrave has already joined in support of legislation that promotes wind energy production as well as renewable fuels. She co-sponsored a Democratic bill to extend the production tax credit of 1.9 cents per kilowatt-hour for producers of wind energy, which is becoming increasingly important as more wind energy turbines are constructed in Colorado.

In addition, the Congresswoman has supported the Renewable Fuels and Energy Independence Promotion Act, a Democratic bill to permanently extend tax credit for ethanol Agri-biodiesel.

Last year, Musgrave was the first member of Congress to introduce the 25 x '25 Initiative, a plan to domestically produce 25 percent of our energy from renewable resources by the year 2025.

Panelists that Congresswoman Musgrave organized for today's listening session included: Ed Lehrburger, Purvision Technology; Tracee Bentley, 25 x ‘25; Mark Sponsler, Colorado Corn Growers Association; David Hiller, Senator Ken Salazar's office; Larry Flowers, National Renewable Energy Lab; Sunil Cherian, Spirea; Kjaer Jakobsen, Vestes; Maury Dobbie, Northern Colorado Economic Development Corp.

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