JOINT RELEASE: Winter, Cutter & Bernett Honored for Work to Combat Climate Change at State Capitol

Legislative leaders were recognized for their efforts to improve air quality, preserve natural resources, and protect public health

GOLDEN, CO – Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, and Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville, were recently awarded the 2022 CRES Courage Award by the Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) for their efforts to combat climate change.

“We are in the midst of a growing climate emergency, and the time to act is now,” said Winter. “The past several legislative sessions, I have worked hard to ensure we meet our climate goals, and I’m pleased to be recognized for those efforts. With these new policies, we are taking important steps toward building a healthier and more sustainable future for us all.”

Winter was awarded for her efforts championing SB22-180, which created the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide free transit rides during ozone season to encourage transit ridership, ultimately reduce air pollution, and further Colorado’s climate goals. Winter was also recognized for her work on HB21-1266, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance environmental justice in disadvantaged communities, and set Colorado on a pathway toward meeting its climate targets.

“Due to a lack of access to convenient, affordable curbside recycling services, Colorado only recycles about 15 percent of its waste,” said Cutter. “We all need to do our part to protect our environment, which is why I worked hard this legislative session to make it easier for Coloradans to recycle. Through these new laws, we can help conserve energy, reduce air and water pollution, reduce greenhouse gasses, and preserve our natural resources.”

Cutter was honored for her work on HB22-1355, which makes recycling free for most consumers, improving access to reliable, no-cost curbside recycling for Coloradans across the state. She was also recognized for HB22-1159, which aims to improve access to end markets – businesses that use recycled material to make new products.

“I’ve spent my time at the Capitol advocating for energy efficiency, transitioning to a sustainable future and creating a healthier Colorado for all,” said Bernett. “Under these new laws, Colorado will build right the first time, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor air quality and create more efficient homes and buildings for the future, all while saving Coloradans money in the process. We’ve taken action to address pollution on the Front Range and improve the resiliency and reliability of Colorado’s electric grid, especially in rural areas vulnerable to grid disruption due to natural disasters.” 

Bernett was recognized for her work on HB22-1362, which updates Colorado’s building codes to improve energy efficiency, save Coloradans money, and reduce harmful indoor and outdoor air pollution. Additionally, she was awarded for her efforts on HB22-1249, which will jumpstart the development of a grid resilience and reliability roadmap to improve grid resilience and reliability, as well as better serve the electricity needs of customers.

This year, Colorado Democrats passed a slate of legislation to address the climate crisis, improve our air quality, and protect our environment. Learn more about these new laws related to climate HERE and environment HERE.

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ABOUT CRES:

The Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) drives environmental, social, and economic benefits for Colorado by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

CRES and its local chapters provide education, policy advocacy, and community engagement that accelerate the adoption of all forms of renewable energy, energy efficiency, high-performance building, energy storage, and emerging technologies that will help Colorado achieve 100% renewable energy. CRES is a statewide, non-partisan, non-profit, 501(c)3 membership organization.

This year, the CRES Courage Award was conferred to three state legislative leaders who have enacted key structural reforms that combat the adverse effects of climate change on Colorado's economy, air quality and public health, ecosystems, natural resources, and quality of life. These leaders worked to build public trust in their actions and embody the highest principles of leadership - integrity, compassion, vision, and courage.