When Chip Comins started Aspen Renewable Energy four years ago, global warming was a more controversial idea than it is now, and words like carbon footprint weren't tossed around much.
But now, fears about global warming have hit the mainstream, and so has AREDay.
It's not just Aspen Renewable Energy Day anymore. Now it's American Renewable Energy Day.
The annual conference, slated for Friday, has attracted two of the state's top Democratic politicians. Both Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper plan to attend and speak on the nation's renewable energy future. Leonardo DiCaprio is also expected to include Aspen in the national release of his film "The 11th Hour."
"The overwhelming spirit for renewable energy solutions is extraordinary," Comins said.
The event has grown over the years. Last year, former Sen. Gary Hart spoke, drawing more attention to the event as he shared his views on the connection between the nation's energy policy and its military policy.
Now, Comins hopes to take the show on the road, with AREDay events in cities like Boulder. He also hopes to include AREDay activities at the National Democratic Convention when it comes to Denver next year.
His hope, he said, is to broaden the discussion about renewable energy.
"We're trying to get soccer moms to come down and look at alternatives to the SUV," Comins said. "Generally it's women of the household that decide where the money is spent in the family. It's the choices we make as consumers that make the difference."
With little action on climate change on the federal level, Comins said, he hopes actions by cities will trickle up to the states and then to the federal government.
dfrey@aspendailynews.com 
