October 22, 2008 05:10 PM UTC

Udall Talks Energy Gainfully On Western Slope

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• by: Colorado Pols

Dick Wadhams fumes, but the Craig Daily Press reports anyway:

U.S. Rep. Mark Udall finished an hourlong tour of the Tri-State power plant in Craig, two workers felt like they had to come out and shake his hand.

“I’m voting for the man,” Mark Lehmann said afterward. “I think he’s a decent man.”

Lehmann, who has worked with Tri-State for 18 years, approached Udall with colleague Ron Geary, himself a seven-year employee at the power plant.

Their professions don’t put them at odds with the congressman, who is reaching the finale of a bid for Colorado’s open U.S. Senate seat against Republican Bob Schaffer.

Although Udall and fellow U.S. Rep. John Salazar – also a Colorado Democrat – have been targeted by some as being anti-energy because of their pro-renewable energy platforms, Lehmann said they have the right plans for America…

Udall and Salazar said they are not anti-energy. They have and will continue to advocate for development that works around Colorado’s other natural resources – wildlife and wildlife habitat – as well as to push industry to become more environmentally conscious.

Concerning the Roan Plateau, Udall said his philosophy would apply to Vermillion Basin in Moffat County, as well.

Phased leasing that leaves crucial habitat areas untouched until they are needed and shifts development from one location to another not only helps wildlife adapt and survive, but akso results in more money for Colorado residents, Udall said.

“Fascinatingly enough, this great leasing plan, we were told we were going to get $2 billion,” he said. “We got about $100 million. If you develop that gas in the right way, it becomes more and more valuable. It’s a finite resource. Between listening to people out here wanting to protect their futures and wildlife and getting the best return on our investment, I think we’re on the right side of this.”