Environment

Protecting the Environment is Good for our Economy

Colorado's most valuable resource is our environment - it's represents a steady revenue steam by drawing large numbers of tourists and visitors into our state each year. A total of 51.7 million people visited Colorado in 2009 — a 1.1 increase over the previous record total from 2008. Those tourists spent $9.7 billion in Colorado. As so many come to enjoy the beautiful mountains and rivers, our responsibility is to find the balance. We must ensure that the same picturesque scenes that we enjoy today live on for future generations to enjoy.

Vigilant in our Role in Government

The role of government regulators is industry to protect the public's best interests. With such a vibrant energy economy in Colorado, we must take notice of the lessons of the BP disaster. They couldn't be clearer. All oil and gas development must be carefully and responsibly regulated; oversight can't be an afterthought. We should be trying to kick the oil habit as soon as we can, but in the meantime let's make sure drilling and mining is done right.

Incentives Work

Companies want to be more sustainable. People want to go green. But it is hard to make the investments and change the way we live in this difficult economy. We have to look for new ways to reduce the use of water and energy. Some may think that it is impossible, but right here, in Lone Tree, CO, we are proving that smart use, equals financial savings. Lone Tree is the recipient of the 2010 Excellence in Recycling Award for outstanding outreach for a municipality. The city's leadership in water usage and recycling is an example for all of Colorado.