Coloradoan - Markey Tackles Energy Policies

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Coloradoan - Markey Tackles Energy Policies

With the full power of the sun shining down on her, Betsy Markey on Wednesday called for increased cooperation in getting the country through its energy crisis.

Markey, a Fort Collins Democrat seeking election from Colorado's 4th Congressional District, told a group of supporters and reporters it's time for the country to develop a comprehensive energy plan and look at long-term solutions.

"Energy independence is not a Democrat or Republican issue, it's a bipartisan issue," she said. "Colorado's wind, solar and agricultural energy supplies offer opportunities for us to create new, clean, green jobs, to protect our environment and also to reduce our dependence on foreign energy supplies."

Markey is running against incumbent Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, a Fort Morgan Republican who is seeking a fourth two-year term in office.

Musgrave also was in Longmont on Wednesday touting new energy legislation aimed at lowering gasoline prices, increasing domestic oil production and boosting renewal energy programs.

In an interview, Markey described Musgrave's plan as "political grandstanding in an election year."

The plan includes renewable-energy elements that Musgrave has repeatedly voted against in the past, she said. It's time to put all options on the table and work together, regardless of party affiliation.

"I think the real danger in doing nothing is a political standoff ... and we get no where," she said. "I'm tired of that."

Jason Thielman, Musgrave's campaign manager, described Markey's event at the environmentally friendly Solar Village development and statements as little more than "political gimmickry."

Musgrave has supported many renewable-energy bills during her tenure, Thielman said, and will continue to support programs that are not tied to "pork-belly spending."

"She has worked on many of these pieces of legislation in a bipartisan fashion," he said.

If elected in November, Markey said she would support increased domestic drilling for oil as well and additional government and private investment in renewable-energy technologies.

But she would not support drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge or other environmentally sensitive areas.

Oil companies already have drilling leases on 68 million acres of land that should be explored before looking elsewhere, she said.

Thielman said having a lease does not guarantee being able to drill for oil or that production is guaranteed.

Environmental groups, including those that support Markey, routinely oppose drilling and throw up legal obstacles, he said.

Markey said short-term solutions to high gasoline prices include stop putting oil into the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. But for long-term energy answers, Americans are going to have to sacrifice and cut their energy.

"We're in this for the long haul - there's no silver bullet, no easy solutions," she said.

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