Sen. Spence at the Ponnequin Wind Farm in northern Colorado

There is no question that we all want a safe and healthy environment for our children and grandchildren. Coloradans treasure our mountains, forests, rivers and streams and wildlife. We should empower citizens to do the most they can to protect these assets.

Sen. Spence believes that providing incentives for protecting the environment and using our resources wisely - will better motivate Colorado's citizens to work to preserve the environment.

We need a balanced approach to developing our state's resources. In addition to conservation, the use of renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and hydropower need to be explored. Renewables must complement - not replace base energy supply. The wind doesn't blow when it is very hot or very cold - the time when there is peak need for energy. Solar doesn't generate energy on a cloudy day. That's why we need a base supply plus renewables.

"My personal commitment to protecting Colorado's future includes the use of solar panels on the roof of my home, driving a hybrid car to reduce gas consumption, tolerating the heat rather than installing home air conditioning and keeping the thermostat turned down in the winter. I encourage other Coloradans to follow this example and I believe we can make a real difference in protecting Colorado's environment."