Alternative Energy Trends in Colorado from Regional, State and Local Government Perspectives

Key Players in Colorado's Energy Landscape Discussed New Energies for a New Decade at a Recent Sherman & Howard Alternative Energy Group Event

Denver - February 15, 2010 - The subject of Colorado's Energy landscape was on the table at a recent seminar hosted by Sherman & Howard's Alternative Energy Group. Mary Jeffreys from the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, Mona Newton from the Governor's Energy Office (GEO), and Larry Patterson, Utility Director for the City of Fountain, presented a high-level overview and policy discussion regarding key trends shaping the future of our state's competitive positioning in the alternative energy arena.

"The presentation was great," noted Eric Drummond, who leads Sherman & Howard's Alternative Energy practice. Drummond added that "The overview and policy discussion described in detail a number of critical regional, state and local initiatives and strategies. I believe that one of our speakers said it best when he described the conference as ‘weaving the fabric of our energy future together'." 

Jeffreys kicked off the discussion by highlighting several important points from Metro Denver EDC's "Resource Rich Colorado" report.

Newton discussed the GEO's various programs which are assisting Colorado communities and utilities in increasing energy efficiency and the utilization of renewable energy resources.

Patterson focused on the City of Fountain's recent Department of Energy award of Smart Grid Investment Grant funding, as part of a four-city consortium, and the impact that the funding will have on the City of Fountain's plans to roll-out a cutting edge, end-to-end, Smart Grid/AMI System.

About the Governor's Energy Office (GEO)

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. issued an Executive Order on April 16, 2007, recreating the Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation as the Governor's Energy Office (GEO). The mission of the energy office is to lead Colorado to a New Energy Economy by advancing energy efficiency, renewable and clean energy resources.

The office was originally created in 1977 to promote energy conservation in Colorado. The New Energy Economy embraces energy conservation as an important component in our energy future, yet requires a broader mission to meet the goals of expanding renewable and clean energy resources and opportunities for the state's economy, environment and energy independence.

The Governor's Energy Office recognizes the critical role the office will play in charting Colorado's leading role in the provision of clean and renewable forms of energy. GEO will work with communities, utilities, private and public organizations, and individuals to promote renewable energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, and energy efficiency technologies in commercial and residential buildings. The New Energy Economy will benefit Colorado by bringing jobs and by protecting our venerable Colorado natural environment. Click here for more information about the Governor's Energy Office.

About the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation

The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC), an affiliate of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, is the nation's first and only truly regional economic development entity in which many area economic development groups have joined together to represent, and further, the interests of an entire region. Metro Denver EDC's partners include 70 cities, counties, and economic development organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver and two-county Northern Colorado region. Click here for more information about the Metro Denver EDC.

About the City of Fountain

The City of Fountain, Colorado - America's Millennium City and 2002 All-America City is located 10 miles south of Colorado Springs, 30 miles north of Pueblo along I-25. On October 28, 2008, the City of Fountain passed a resolution adopting and supporting a Climate Action Plan calling for a 20 percent reduction in Green House Gas emissions from 2005 baseline levels by 2020, and an 80 percent reduction by 2050. Fountain is a community that is committed to the creation of a sustainable future and intends to continue to work with others in the region and across the state to be a good steward of its resources and to continue implementing strategic and sustainable initiatives.

About Sherman & Howard

Sherman & Howard's Alternative Energy Group is a multi-disciplinary team of attorneys with solid experience addressing the wide range of legal and business issues relevant to alternative energy businesses. They have worked with entities to draw upon funding resources available under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, including Clean Energy Renewable Bonds, and have provided advice regarding Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, Innovative Technology Loan Guarantees and other funding mechanisms available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. They have also represented clients in critical proceedings with public utility commissions, environmental commissions, licensing authorities and other important state and federal agencies, as well as in connection with power purchase agreements, project development and financing for wind, gas and hydro-electric generation projects. The Sherman & Howard's Alternative Energy Group hosts regular educational events on issues affecting the industry.

Sherman & Howard, established in 1892, is the oldest law firm in Denver. The Firm assists its clients in most aspects of law affecting businesses and public institutions. Sherman & Howard's more than 200 attorneys currently practice law from offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs, Aspen and Vail, Colorado; Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada; and St. Louis, Missouri.