Bill Ritter to highlight need for common ground, political courage in DC lecture

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FORT COLLINS – The National Council for Science and the Environment has invited former Colorado governor Bill Ritter Jr., director of Colorado State University’s Center for the New Energy Economy, to deliver the John H. Chafee Memorial Lecture at the Council’s National Conference and Global Forum on Science, Policy and the Environment. Ritter is also the recipient of the John H. Chafee Memorial Award, which honors renowned leaders who “communicate the importance of science in environmental policy and decision making.”

The award letter cited Ritter’s experience as a prominent public figure and his “incredible work” with regulators, planners, policymakers, students, educators, researchers and entrepreneurs.

“I am truly honored to be selected for this award in Sen. Chafee’s name,” Ritter said. “His spirit of bipartisanship and commitment to environmental protection are two values sorely needed in Washington today. Understanding his legacy inspires renewed optimism on the important work ahead for all of us, not just in the energy sector.”

Ritter served as governor of Colorado from 2007-2011. During that period, he signed into law 57 clean-energy bills, and helped establish Colorado as a leader in clean energy technologies including wind and solar. After leaving office, Ritter founded the Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) at CSU, which is part of CSU’s Energy Institute. As CNEE director, Ritter continues advising all levels of government on energy policy.

Ritter also recently authored a book, “Powering Forward,” about the clean energy revolution.

The National Council for Science and the Environment is dedicated to improving the scientific basis for environmental decision-making by bridging the gap between science and policy to catalyze solutions. The award and lecture are named for the late Sen. John H. Chafee, of Rhode Island, who sponsored important pieces of conservation and environmental legislation while serving in the U.S. Senate from 1977-1999.