Legislation to double Colorado’s renewable energy standard has passed the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee today. The measure’s sponsors include Senator Gail Schwartz (D – Snowmass Village) and Representatives Jack Pommer (D – Boulder) and Rob Witwer (R- Genesee).
"In the horse race to create a clean energy economy, Colorado has hit a trifecta: we are accelerating economic development, generating affordable energy, creating clean energy jobs and protecting our environment," said Matt Baker, Executive Director of Environment Colorado.
The bill, HB07-1281, increases the renewable energy standard to 20% by the year 2020 and also includes several key provisions designed to encourage local communities to develop clean energy development projects, including projects initiated by municipal utilities and electric cooperatives themselves. The bill is supported by renewable energy advocates, conservationists, farmers, and utility companies.
The bill also sets the first renewable energy standard for all rural electric cooperatives. Under this legislation, all electric cooperatives would be required to get 10% of their electricity from renewables by 2020.
Colorado’s current investment in wind power has been an enormous success. Xcel Energy is expected to meet Amendment 37’s 10% goal by the end of 2007, eight years ahead of schedule. Proponents of the legislation have cited the economic benefits for consumers, rural communities, and Colorado jobs. Interwest Energy Alliance projects over $250 million fuel and emission cost savings by 2020 thanks to Colorado’s current wind energy investment.
Starting in 2001, Environment Colorado identified clean energy as a priority issue. After an unsuccessful three-year lobbying effort at the state capitol to pass a renewable energy standard, they took the issue to the ballot and found their first major success when Colorado became the first state where voters passed a renewable energy standard, Amendment 37. Then in 2006, Environment Colorado launched their New Energy Future campaign, gaining support from over 50 soon-to-be state legislators to double Colorado’s renewable energy standard to 20%.
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