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Bennet Discusses Clean Energy During China Trip

Senator Michael Bennet
Senator Michael Bennet

Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) and nine of his colleagues are just back from a week-long trip to China, where clean energy emerged as a top issue.

Bennet has co-sponsored a bill that would use a Colorado clean energy standard as a national model. During his China trip Bennet, along with five other Democratic senators and three Republicans, met with top Chinese officials to discuss clean energy along with trade and human rights.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) led the overseas trip. He says China is using clean energy to reduce its dependence on coal and oil.

“We can’t afford to not be globally competitive in this important area."

Clean energy investments notwithstanding, China still derives more than 70% of its power from coal. Now back at home Reid says he is not hopeful that much clean energy legislation – Bennet’s or anyone else’s – can pass in the U.S. Senate.

Capitol News Connection contributed to this report.

Email: brian.larson@kunc.org