With the incentive of job creation and the caveat of environmental protection, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper strongly endorsed the need for development of natural gas resources in his state and nationwide as part of his remarks to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Bipartisan Governors Summit Monday in Washington, DC. Hickenlooper co-chaired the event.

The broader theme for the summit centered on how states can become more competitive, and Hickenlooper emphasized the role that development of domestic gas supplies can play. Hickenlooper said gas resource development in Colorado and the nation is “vital,” in part because of national security issues since it can reduce money flowing to “oil-producing dictatorships.”

The governor stressed the environmental benefits of natural gas when used in industry compared to other fossil fuels. Hickenlooper also emphasized the need to develop “the vast natural gas reserves” while adhering to the highest environmental standards.

Hickenlooper also stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration. “We find ourselves in a situation where the easy choices have already been made, and we have to chart a new and more painful course or risk bankrupting this country,” he said. “Working together, regardless of political party or industry or personal interest, is key to each state’s future success and the overall prosperity of the nation.”

Hickenlooper was joined by governors from five other states — Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Virginia and Wisconsin. They helped release a second annual study by the U.S. Chamber, “Enterprising States,” which was touted as an economic recovery road map.

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