Colorado Gov. Ritter Praises Salazar's Climate Plan To Protect Public Lands

Sept. 15, 2009 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter today applauded U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's Climate Change Response Strategy to address the issues and impacts of climate change on America's land, water, wildlife and other resources.

"Colorado and the Interior West are particularly susceptible to the consequences of climate change," Gov. Ritter said. "The Department of Interior is in a unique position to monitor regional effects and implement long-term strategies to protect our water, forests and wildlife. Colorado very much appreciates our strong partnership with the Obama Administration and Secretary Salazar on this and many other major issues. It will take all of us working together to address the global challenges posed by climate change."

Article continues below...

In 2007, Gov. Ritter released Colorado's first Climate Action Plan, setting goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. The plan also calls for greening state government by reducing energy, petroleum, water, and waste while increasing renewable energy, energy efficiency and recycling.

"Addressing climate change is vital to Colorado's natural resources, communities and economic future, particularly for industries such as tourism, recreation and agriculture," Gov. Ritter said. "Colorado's New Energy Economy is at the heart of this strategy by creating jobs, increasing our energy security and decreasing our reliance on foreign oil. We're making buildings more energy efficient and diversifying our energy portfolio to include more renewables and cleaner sources such as natural gas.

"These are all key elements that will help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lead America toward a new energy future."

Learn more by visiting the Colorado Climate Action Plan

Source: Colorado Governor