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Updated: 8:23 PM Aug 19, 2011 


Governor Hickenlooper is looking to the Western slope for ideas on creating a brighter energy sector throughout the state.
Posted: 3:32 PM Aug 19, 2011
Reporter: Amanda Shotsky

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Sparking state energy talks in Grand Junction

Font Size: GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)_ Governor Hickenlooper is looking to the Western slope for ideas on creating a brighter energy sector throughout the state.

Representatives from his energy office came into town today they were hear in Grand Junction to talk about the use of natural gas.

This comes just a few months after the city became one of the first places in the state to open this natural gas station and now the are talking about expanding in the future.

For monument clean fuels getting statewide attention for a newly installed compressed natural gas station is energizing. Opening its pumps back in April a way to bridge a growing gap.

"It was a missing link between Denver and Salt Lake City for natural gas vehicles to be able to make the stretch and have a place to fuel up along the way," says Jason Farrington with Monument Clean Fuels.

The city running with a fleet of CNG powered trash trucks all part of an effort to move away from foreign oil dependency something that's making waves in Denver.

"We are really doing what we can to promote the energy industry in a way that's going to create jobs enhance energy security, manage consumer costs and protect our environment," says Energy Director TJ Deora.

This morning the governors top energy director met with mesa county officials on how to expand on these ideas.

"We are going to take these ideas back with my team and we are going to figure out what is the appropriate role for the state."

Moving forward with a new spark ignited right here in town.

"Starting slow with one dispenser in Grand Junction and plans to expand on that as the demand grows


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