Colorado has emerged as one of the leading states in developing
renewable energy resources, according to a Pew Center on Global
Climate Change study. "Colorado is a trigger state as the first
in the nation to enact renewable energy standards through a
ballot proposition," said Barry G. Rabe, a University of
Michigan environmental policy professor and the report's author.
"Once the first trigger takes place, there's a tendency for
other states to look at this model," Rabe said. "We may see more
ballot initiatives in coming years." There are 22 states and the
District of Columbia that now require a percentage of their
electricity comes from renewable energy - such as wind power. In
2002, 12 states had such energy mandates, according to the
report by the Washington-based environmental group. Oregon and
Washington state are looking at the Colorado model to establish
their own renewable energy standards, Rabe said. The Colorado
ballot proposition is also prodding Montana to accelerate its
renewable efforts, Rabe s