A 'green' rally for more green from government

DENVER - Hundreds of renewable energy employees used one of Colorado's resources, sunshine, to make a political statement in Downtown Denver Friday.

Several local companies from solar and wind energy joined a host of politicians, including Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, to push for more green jobs in Colorado.

"It's exactly times like this where you have to stay focused and recognize the belief and optimism are the most important traits, they're the most important resources we have," said Hickenlooper.

Several political leaders and energy advocates in Colorado want to use a portion of the economic stimulus package to expand renewable energy by recruiting more companies in the industry.

"We're talking about revitalizing the American dream. Rebooting Colorado's economy, and we are going to do it by investing in a green economic recovery," said Keith Hay, an energy advocate for Environment Colorado.

Opponents of the plan question spending billions in a field that's still proving itself.

"Giving money to feel good energy projects certainly makes you feel warm and toasty inside, but is it productive? Let's remember that you're taking out a trillion dollars of money from the productive private sector and having the government spend it," said Jon Caldara, president of the Independence Institute.

As of Friday, the Senate's version of the latest federal stimulus package included $27 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including $2.9 billion to weatherize modest-income homes; $4.6 billion for fossil fuel research and development; $6.4 billion to clean up nuclear weapons production sites; $11 billion toward a so-called "smart electricity grid" to reduce waste.

In comparison, the U.S. House's stimulus plan calls for $28.4 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including $6.2 billion to weatherize homes; and $11 billion for the "smart electricity grid."

On the steps of the Capitol, industry leaders expressed their support for future growth in green businesses.

"There's no better time than today to continue our work to make Colorado the solar capitol of this country," said Jim Welch, CEO of Bella Energy.