Colorado's green governor is at it again. After issuing a "Greening of State Government" executive order just 100 days into office, he has spent much of the last year fighting for "green" policies, based in part on the suggestions of Colorado's very esteemed "climate change" adviser.
The latest? In September, he announced "Insulate Colorado Week" and just last weekend, his administration hosted a press event where they installed solar panels on the roof of the state Capitol.
While it's fine and good to go green - especially when it can save some bucks - this last effort by the Ritter camp is anything but friendly to the pocketbook. According to a report in The Denver Post, the $31,000 solar panel installation, which began Sunday, will generate enough electricity to power two homes but won't pay for itself through energy savings for another 14 years. Still, Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien called the project an “example” and said it was “easy to do.”
But given the extraordinary cost, solar panels just aren't a feasible option for most Coloradans. It's far down the priority list for most families, long after new windows or energy efficient appliances.
And why now? In the midst of a state hiring freeze due to a $100 million budget shortfall, every little bit matters. $31,000 could fund an entry-level position designed to improve constituent service. Or more immediate, it could keep dozens of homes warm this winter.
Rep. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, has first hand experience installing solar panels in his own home and questioned the timing and intent of the project. While energy savings is a great idea, Lundberg said, it is not realistically attainable for most families. Lundberg also insists solar panels are not a cost effective to meet the energy needs of the Capitol. “I applaud them for putting in some renewable sources, but I question whether we can afford it right now,” he said.
Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado, a group that helps low-income families pay their utility bills, echoed Lundberg's concerns. While he supports greening initiatives, Arnold said even with current tax subsidies, low-income families still can’t afford to install solar panels in their homes. “It is still out of their reach,” he said. “As we think of these kind of energy issues and including all of our citizens, we have to take special steps to ensure that low income households can have access to energy savings, too.”
Governor Ritter, enough of the press conferences and congratulatory self-pats on the back. It's time to start thinking about another form of green - namely money - and the fact that the state is spending too much of it. With Colorado facing some serious cuts in the coming year, shouldn't the administration's publicity stunts be the first to get the ax?