“Climate change is a threat, but also an opportunity to rise to the challenge. Our solutions have the potential to increase energy security and promote economic development in Colorado. ”
Rob Witwer
Colorado State Representative
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Rob Witwer is a first-term state representative from western Jefferson County (including Genesee, Evergreen, Conifer and Pine). Rep. Witwer has been a champion and leader for environmental protection and resource conservation. He is a practicing attorney who, prior to running for state office, worked for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, where he was responsible for energy, forestry and land issues. In 2006, he successfully carried the Backcountry Access Act, which eliminated several legal barriers to public access on private lands across the state.
How did you first get involved in conservation issues?
My first memory is planting trees near Ward with my Boy Scout troop—that was more than 20 years ago. Since then, I’ve been active in a number of groups, including the Audubon Society for Greater Denver, the Trust for Public Land and the Colorado Water Trust.
I’m proud to have had a small role in the transaction that resulted in 740 acres of Jefferson County open space on South Table Mountain. It has always seemed to me that conservation is and should be a conservative value—both words have the same root, after all. We should maintain and not waste the land, air and water resources of our state.
What are the environmental challenges facing Colorado?
Our growing population is placing increasing demands on our resources. Planning should reflect the goal of long-term sustainability so future generations can enjoy the same things we love about Colorado.
What can the state do about global warming?
The debate is over and the science is overwhelming. Climate change is real. Colorado should look to other states that are taking the lead. California under Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Pataki of New York offer good examples what states can do to address climate change. We can also look to New Mexico, Arizona, North Carolina and Montana as other states that are developing climate plans.
In the short term we should increase funding on next generation energy sources, implement more renewable energy programs, promote energy efficiency, advanced coal technologies and develop the next generation of farm fuels using cellulosic ethanol. Colorado could be poised to be a new energy leader.
What would you like to see happen next legislative session regarding global warming?
The first thing we need to do is gather data about emissions. Any future policy decisions should be based on a sound foundation of information.
Climate change is a threat, but also an opportunity to rise to the challenge. Our solutions have the potential to increase energy security and promote economic development in Colorado. We also have to realize that Colorado is not going to “solve” climate change all by itself—citizens, companies, cities, states and nations have to work together. We’re just a part of the puzzle.
What are your priorities for next year?
I have not yet proposed any specific legislation (I’m up for re-election first), but my priorities are very much in keeping with the priorities of my community: environmental stewardship, keeping Colorado strong economically, fiscally responsible government, dealing with illegal immigration, access to health care, strong public education, wildfire preparedness and water conservation. |
