(CO) Democrats lay out (renewable) energy bills

[jpak]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/energy/article/0,2777,DRMN_23914_5218000,00.html

Democratic lawmakers will introduce a slew of bills in the 2007 General Assembly to propel Colorado into becoming the "renewable energy capital of the world."

Legislation to double the state's renewable energy standard by 2015, mandate the use of ethanol in 10 percent of all transportation fuel - except jet fuel - by the end of next year, offer incentives to biofuel crop farmers and boost the number of transmission lines by allowing utilities to recover the money from ratepayers during construction are in the pipeline.

Renewable energy advocates say with the Democrats in control of the governor's office as well as the state Senate and House, the dozen or so bills - three times the number introduced last year - have a good chance of being signed into law.

Gov.-elect Bill Ritter has said his administration will kick-start a new energy economy aimed at reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

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