By David A. Hill, Executive Editor

DENVER STATE CAPITOL - The “New Energy Economy”  was mentioned at least 11 times by Governor Ritter in his State of the State Speech on Wednesday. Certainly, no surprise there since it has been a cornerstone of his administration. This time, however, there was a twist.

For the first time we could remember, the Governor actually lumped traditional oil and gas energy in with his reference to the New Energy Economy, even acknowledging the critical role it plays in our economic and energy well being.

In Ritter’s almost messianic vision, the New Energy Economy is not just a movement to create a culture of sustainability, but a fulfilment of the promise of a new energy future and a new economic future for all of America.

With a projected $600,000,000+ budget deficit staring him in the face, the Governor has far fewer chips to play with when it comes to taking his energy plans to the next level.  Indeed, the expectations are lower this year because of the economic crisis.

However, that isn’t stopping his Administration from moving forward on a number of energy fronts.

The Governor told the legislators that he’s working with the Colorado congressional delegation and the incoming Obama administration to ensure the federal recovery package includes funds for transmission lines and other clean-energy projects.

“The New Energy Economy is a place where we must keep creating new jobs, new innovations and new opportunities. This session, we also must continue bringing the New Energy Economy home for ordinary Coloradans.”

Among the renewable and efficiency projects the Ritter Administration is focusing on this year:

• legislation that would require all new single-family homes come with a “solar-ready” option.
• Support for the Renewable Energy Financing Act sponsored by Senator Carroll, which will facilitate financing for residential and business clean-energy projects.
• Work with Treasurer Kennedy, Representative Andy Kerr and Senator
  Schwartz on a plan for wind and solar projects on schools in rural Colorado.
• Moving forward with Representative Apuan on a proposal that would require homesellers
  to disclose their energy bills for the past 12 months, to help prospective buyers anticipate
  their monthly expenses.

On the traditional energy front, Ritter referenced our state’s rich natural gas reserves.

“We must ensure Colorado’s natural gas continues to meet America’s energy needs today and serves as a clean-burning bridge fuel for tomorrow.” To this end, he said that his administration is working with industry and others to include funds for gas pipelines in the federal recovery package.

He did not let the ocassion in front of the entire legislative body pass without encouraging his audience to sign off on the final rules package passed unanimously by the oil and gas commission.

“I’m proud of the commission’s work. They listened to every interested party and found the right balance. With these rules, Colorado companies and Colorado workers can successfully drill for natural gas, while our air, land, water, wildlife and communities are protected, Ritter said.

A text version of Governor Ritter’s State of the State speech in its entirety is available on this PAGE.

CLICK HERE for a video of the Republicans’ own State of the State.