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| Greetings
from U.S. Senator Ken Salazar
Last week while the Senate was in Easter recess, I traveled around our state, meeting with Coloradans, including farmers, business leaders, and elected officials. Like many of you, I saw the extraordinary cost of gas at the pumps these days, and I certainly understand the pain in the pocketbooks that these high prices cause. Much of these price spikes are a result of our Nation’s dangerous dependence on foreign oil. I’ve been working to build momentum for a bipartisan, common-sense solution. S. 2025, the Vehicle and Fuel Choices Act, has broad bipartisan support and would greatly enhance production of alternative fuels, consumer access to these fuels, and fuel efficiency for our Nation’s vehicles. During my travels last week, I saw numerous ‘examples of success’ where Coloradans have come together to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and promote America’s energy independence. In Logan County, I toured the Sterling Ethanol Plant, where the alternative fuel of ethanol is being produced. In Rifle, I learned how the Antero Corporation, working with residents of Garfield County, has developed a plan for drilling for natural gas that mitigates many of the tensions between energy companies and western communities. In Fort Collins, I visited Fossil Ridge High School, the only public high school in the nation to receive the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification, and toured the New Belgium Brewery, a model for sustainable green building, to learn more about their green technology and renewable energy efforts. In fact, these ‘examples of success’ were not limited to energy alone. In Greeley, I visited the Northern Colorado Medical Center for a demonstration on their cutting-edge Telemedicine technology, which helps bring the latest medical expertise to rural areas that are often overlooked and fail to benefit from medical breakthroughs. And in Grand Junction, I visited the Veterans Administration hospital to see firsthand the quality of care and latest advancements in health care for our veterans. Another issue that repeatedly arose throughout Colorado was immigration. This is a critical issue facing our Nation. We cannot continue with porous borders, lax enforcement and with undocumented immigrants living in the shadows. I plan to continue to push for a comprehensive immigration reform plan that strengthens the Nation’s border security, increases enforcement and deals with the economic realities of the immigration situation. This week I met with the President along with Senators McCain, Frist, Reid and Kennedy. My hope is that over the next several weeks we will be able to pass legislation that is tough, fair and practical. Finally, this week the Senate is debating supplemental appropriations for Iraq and Afghanistan and reconstruction relief for the effects of Hurricane Katrina. This critical funding is necessary to support our men and women fighting overseas and for rebuilding the Gulf Coast. But in yet another example of Washington doing the right thing in the wrong way, I am deeply concerned that this Administration continues to engage in a game of budgetary smoke and mirrors, insisting that the costs for these priorities not be included as part of the annual budget. I will continue to put Colorado first in Washington as I serve you here in the United States Senate. Working for Colorado Sen. Salazar to host meeting between Army and Southeastern Coloradans on possible expansion of Pinon Canyon maneuver site Sen. Salazar fights for Colorado’s land and water Sen. Salazar to offer amendment to reduce forest fire danger & Bark Beetle blight Sen. Salazar’s proposal to protect Rocky Mountain National Park wilderness areas receives hearing Senator Ken Salazar's DC office is located at 702 Hart Senate office building, Washington, DC 20510. He has Colorado regional offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Ft. Morgan, Pueblo, Durango, Grand Junction and Alamosa. For contact and mailing info, click here.
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