Perlmutter dismisses calls for more drilling in speech

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter at the Democratic National Convention: Getty Images PhotoDENVER — U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Golden) talked renewable energy in a speech before Democratic National Convention delegates Thursday afternoon at Invesco Field.

“For the past eight years, we’ve had two oilmen in the White House -- and where has it got us?” Perlmutter asked. “We need a smarter, more sustainable energy strategy.”

“Some people tell us to drill here, drill now and that’s all,” said Perlmutter, in a dig at Republicans who favor increased oil drilling in Colorado and elsewhere in the country.

Instead, he said, America needs “solar now, wind here, wind now -- and Barack Obama as a leader will invest in new ways.”

“By developing alternative energy, it’s good for national security, good for the climate, and it is good for jobs,” he said.