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Support responsible energy development

As an avid sportsman, I share the sentiments of countless Coloradans who care deeply about our state’s land, water, fish and wildlife resources. Whether I’m stalking elk in San Juan County or landing monster browns in the Animas River, I am passionate about our natural resources and conserving them for future generations of sportsmen and Coloradans.

Like natural-resource conservation, renewable energy will play a critical role in shaping a sustainable future for Colorado. With an abundance of wind, solar and geothermal resources, Colorado is already a national leader in renewable-energy development. However, I believe it is critical that we develop these resources without degrading fish and wildlife habitat and in a way that protects Colorado’s vibrant outdoor-recreation economy.

Fortunately, renewable-energy development and conservation need not be mutually exclusive. This reality is reflected in a groundbreaking federal bill: The Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act (S. 1407, H.R. 2663.)

This legislation, co-sponsored by Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., promotes efficient and responsible renewable-energy development. The bill helps ensure that wind and solar projects on public lands are sited properly and that they generate resources for conservation and local communities affected by development. This is achieved through the bill’s unique revenue distribution formula wherein lease royalties from public-land wind, solar and geothermal energy projects would be allocated to states, counties, habitat conservation and public-land access.

As I look forward to future hunting and fishing trips throughout Colorado, I am confident that the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act will go a long way toward conserving our natural treasures for my generation, and more importantly, for our children and grandchildren.

Thanks to Sen. Gardner and Rep. Polis for their leadership on this bill. I urge them to look to the broad support that exists for this bill among Colorado’s sportsmen and county officials and push for speedy passage of this important legislation.

Shawn Andreatta

Durango



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