Gov. Bill Ritter Thursday issued a pair of executive orders meant to spur "clean-tech" investment and job growth in the state.

Clean tech, according to a release, includes industries such as new energy, biosciences, aerospace and technology, and the first executive order will create an "Investment Opportunity Index" on the Colorado Office of Economic Development's website. The site will "serve as a clearinghouse for potential investors and partners."

The second executive order will create a Roundtable on Venture Capital that will meet on a quarterly basis under the auspices of the Colorado Office of Economic Development. The purely advisory group will assist in state efforts to raise investment capital for Colorado companies.

"Over the past four years, Colorado has made huge strides in building a pro-business environment, especially in the areas of clean tech and bioscience," Ritter said in a release, referring to his ongoing push to build a clean-tech and "New Energy Economy."

"Our economic development strategy is focused on the industries that are leading in innovation - industries like new energy, bioscience, aerospace and technology. For Colorado to build on these strengths and continue our success, we have to find new and creative ways to increase access to capital for our businesses. That's what these executive orders are all about."

By David O. Williams, 5/27/2010, The Colorado Independent.