Governor of Colorado 2007-2011
My adult life has been largely defined by one guiding principle: the most fulfilling life is one dedicated to serving others. My work in Zambia as a missionary only served to drive this point home. It is what led me to public office, first as District Attorney and later as Governor of Colorado.[pullquote]One of the most effective ways that America can better the lives of all of its citizens is by preserving the natural environment and our native species.[/pullquote]
One of the most effective ways that America can better the lives of all of its citizens is by preserving the natural environment and our native species. My childhood roots in agriculture and my lifelong love of fishing have instilled me with a great appreciation for the value of maintaining a stable ecosystem. The Endangered Species Act has been critical in establishing and maintaining that balance.
Beyond the considerable economic benefits a healthy environment provides, I also consider the vast wealth of natural beauty that myself – and my fellow citizens of Colorado – enjoy every day. This is why I pushed so hard to establish Colorado as a leader in clean energy, and this is why, after leaving public office, I founded the Center for the New Energy Economy at my alma mater, Colorado State University.
Whether it’s the energy choices we make today or the species we will save tomorrow, our actions have consequences. Legislation like the Endangered Species Act places a premium on the preservation of species and their ecosystems, and it plays an integral role in ensuring the well-being of America’s environment. For my children and their children, I’m proud of our country for passing the Endangered Species Act and ensuring the legacy of species diversity for generations to come.
