New Energy Economy

Legislation Launches the New Energy Economy

More than 20 energy-related bills passed the legislature and were signed into law. Several of these new laws provide a critical boost to energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts in Colorado. A recent Governor's Energy Office newsletter summarized the key bills and explained how they are setting the foundation for the vision of the New Energy Economy Governor Ritter established for Colorado during his campaign last year.

House Bill 1281 doubled the Amendment 37 renewable standard passed by the voters in 2004. Investor-owned utilities must now generate 20% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2020. And the municipal and rural co-op utilities must achieve 10%.

House Bill 1279 extends the sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment to renewable energy generation, saving millions of dollars for companies investing in Colorado and also reducing costs of electricity for all Coloradans.

House Bill 246, Clean Energy Fund, will provide a steady stream of revenue ($7m in 2008) to the Governor's Energy Office for the purposes of advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the state.

House Bill 1087 creates a grant program to place wind turbines on schools.

House Bill 1228 requires biofuels be used in state fleet vehicles.

The Greening of Government Executive Order set a goal of a 25% reduction in petroleum fuel usage by 2012 in the state fleet through the use of biofuels or by increasing efficiency.
House Bill 1146 raises the baseline for local building codes to the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code.

House Bill 1037 requires investor owned gas utilities to invest in energy efficiency, and directs the Public Utility Commission to set new goals for electric energy efficiency.