Gov. Bill Ritter, D-Colo., has appointed Matt Baker to a four-year term on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), filling a vacancy left by Paulette Page, whose second term expired Jan. 8.
‘As one of the architects of Colorado's renewable energy standard and a champion of Colorado's environment and consumer rights, Matt Baker makes an ideal addition to the Public Utilities Commission,’ Ritter says. ‘He is keenly aware of the important role the PUC will play in building a New Energy Economy that will lead to energy security, environmental security and economic security for our communities and our state. His leadership in crafting Amendment 37 and the doubling of our renewable energy standard last year demonstrate his vision for a 21st century energy future for Colorado.’
Baker has served as executive director of Environment Colorado since 2003. He led Colorado's Amendment 37 campaign and was involved in the FasTracks campaign, both in 2004. He also advocated on behalf of the Clean Energy Fund, increased transmission capacity for wind energy and establishment of the Colorado Clean Energy Authority.
He has worked for public interest research groups in Massachusetts and New Jersey and served as executive director of the Colorado Public Interest Research Group from 2001 to 2003. Baker is a recipient of the Wirth Chair for Renewable Energy Advocacy and was vice chair of the Transit Alliance.
