When Democrat leaders rolled out their plan on a new energy economy for Colorado, Coloradans had no idea they would be bearing the cost of technology that is not yet sustainable. Bill after bill, Democrats ask Colorado's hard working families to pay more for their electricity and natural gas despite the growing concern of a recession. Families, seniors, and small business are struggling to make ends meet, yet they are at risk of a painful increase in their utility bill. At a time when all of us are tightening our budgets, the state must not be in the business of increasing the cost of energy.

The rising cost of energy is resulting in Colorado losing the competitive edge that we have; small business and manufacturing companies are some of those being hit the hardest by the radically different energy policies that Colorado is mandating under current leadership.

We must find the careful balance between renewable and affordable energy. Colorado's legislators and citizens are capable of encouraging a reliable energy future at the lowest possible cost. I support renewable energy and the technologies that are necessary in the changing energy economy, yet I cannot endorse policies that will limit good paying, middle class jobs and the loss of needed investment in small business.

With time and careful consideration on what is best for families, seniors and small businesses, Colorado can arrive at a meaningful balance between price and sustainability, and responsible development and environmental conservation. Likewise, the recent push toward hyper-regulation of the energy sector will inevitability lead to higher costs for consumers. Our focus should be on the responsible development of our natural resources while protecting against long-term, negative effects on the environment.

Wind, solar, hydroelectricity, and traditional sources all have a place in Colorado's energy infrastructure, yet we cannot ask citizens to pay outrageous amounts to receive the same service that they are already getting because of forced technology and hyper-regulation.

Colorado will continue to lead the way in research and utilization of renewable energy and with a little forethought and reasonable thinking; we can arrive at sustainable and affordable solutions for all Coloradans and encourage the responsible development of our vast natural resources.