Gov. Ritter Statement on PUC Clean Air-Clean Jobs Deliberations

Press Release

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission began deliberations today on the Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act. Gov. Bill Ritter is encouraging the PUC to fully implement this landmark legislation, which, over the next several years, will transition several old and inefficient power plants from coal-fired electricity generation to cleaner sources of fuel such as natural gas.

"For the past four years, we have established Colorado as a national and international leader in building a New Energy Economy," Gov. Ritter said. "We have created thousands of jobs, adopted 57 forward-thinking laws and built a clean-energy economy that is now a model for other states to follow. The capstone to all of this is the Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act, a bipartisan initiative supported by a broad coalition of interests that will again make Colorado a national energy trendsetter.

"The Act provides a cost-effective path for a uniquely Colorado plan to comply with federal clean-air regulations. Poor air quality impacts everyone, particularly children, senior citizens, those who are ill and other vulnerable residents. Among the most important elements of the Act -- the opportunity to clean our air while building local economies.

"The bipartisan Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act provides the path forward for Colorado to fully transition by 2017 from the largest sources of pollution in the Denver metro area -- delivering healthier air, a steady flow of clean electricity, and a stronger clean energy economy."

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