AURORA, Colo. (AP) -- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu says promoting Colorado's renewable energy industry is key to generating jobs and easing dependence on foreign oil.
But he told an energy jobs summit in Aurora Friday that the U.S. is lagging behind China in its investment in renewables. Chu sought to rally support for the Obama administration's energy plan, which promotes renewable energy, clean coal technologies and nuclear power.
He announced Friday that $8 million in federal stimulus money will go to help 43 communities across the country make emergency plans to restore power systems in the event of natural or other disasters.
The cities include six in Colorado -- Aspen, Aurora, Denver, Durango, Lakewood and Wheat Ridge.
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