Denver, Colorado – Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak today called on Senator Wayne Allard to stand up for Colorado’s working families by joining Democrats in passing the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. This critical bill would protect working families throughout Colorado by improving energy efficiency, punishing gas price gougers, and strengthening U.S. national security by taking real steps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

At a time when Colorado consumers are saddled with record gas prices, which have increased 124.83 percent since President Bush took office, Republicans in Washington continue to stand up for their special interest friends and stand in the way of real reform. This year, the average Colorado household with children will spend $4,492 on transportation fuel costs, an increase of 124.83 percent over 2001 costs. In addition to combating price gouging by oil companies, a new Joint Economic Committee report shows that the energy efficient practices encouraged in the Democratic energy plan could save Colorado’s working families $1,600 each year--$750 a year in household energy costs and $875 a year on gasoline costs. [Joint Economic Committee report, 6/14/07]

While Republicans in Washington continue to put the interests of their party and their special interest friends ahead of Colorado’s working families, Democrats are keeping their promises by offering a real reform agenda. As Congress is debating the new Democratic energy plan, Governor Bill Ritter and Democrats in the Colorado legislature passed major programs in renewable energy. But Congress still needs to do its part.

"Colorado Democrats are keeping our promises to working families in Colorado by providing the clear, decisive leadership on energy independence that Republicans have refused to offer," said Pat Waak.

"While Republicans have chosen to stand up for their special interest friends instead of leading on energy issues, Democrats are committed to protecting American consumers and promoting our national security by making America energy independent. I know his Republican cohorts back in

Washington will disagree, but if Senator Wayne Allard wants to stand up for Colorado’s working families, he should join Democrats in passing the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007."