Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet visited the VanDyne SuperTurbo engines lab at Colorado State University’s (CSU) Powerhouse Energy Institute and VanDyne’s headquarters in Loveland to talk with leaders about their work to develop the energy efficient SuperTurbo engine.  The visits come on the heels of Bennet’s appointment to chair the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure – all issues that are key to Colorado’s economy.

Today’s stops were the first in a larger tour Bennet is completing around the state to highlight Colorado’s innovation economy. 

“Colorado companies have an entrepreneurial spirit that is driving innovation, spurring economic growth, and creating the jobs of the future,” Bennet said.  “The development of new energy efficient technology, like the kind being developed right here at VanDyne, has helped our state become a recognized leader in an increasingly diverse energy industry and allowed us to continue to compete in the global economy.”

VanDyne’s patented SuperTurbo engine, tested at CSU’s Engines Lab, combines a turbocharger and a transmission into one device, improving fuel efficiency and horsepower while reducing emissions. The SuperTurbo can power the likes of city buses, Caterpillar bulldozers, and John Deere tractors, among other large vehicles.

Throughout his career in the Senate, Bennet has advocated for continued innovation in energy production and for diversifying the state’s energy portfolio.  As chair of the Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over energy taxation, Bennet will work to advance the discussion of comprehensive energy tax reform that makes sense for today’s economy and helps provide certainty and parity for Colorado’s diverse energy industry. At the beginning of the month, he successfully secured an extension of the wind energy production tax credit (PTC) in the bipartisan tax extenders bill.

Bennet also fought to bring the new United State Patent and Trademark Office satellite office to Denver, allowing companies like VanDyne - and others across the country that are looking to expand to Colorado – to benefit from an improved and more accessible patent process.

The innovation tour will continue tomorrow in Grand Junction with future stops planned in Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs. Follow along at #COinnovation.