Saving People Money on Energy: Governor Polis Signs Bills into Law
DENVER- Today, Governor Polis will sign legislation into law to help save people money on energy and build upon the Polis administration’s work in partnership with the legislature to help Colorado achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040. This session, Governor Polis and members of the legislature announced a plan to help save people money, cut red tape to accelerate the clean energy transition, and advance Colorado’s position as a national leader in clean energy.
Earlier this morning, Governor Polis delivered the commencement address to the University of Colorado graduates. Gov. Polis was selected by the Senior Class Council to deliver the commencement address.
“These exciting money savings changes for Coloradans mean reliable, lower energy costs and good-paying jobs, as we continue to fuel the innovation that makes Colorado a national leader in clean energy. We are cutting red tape, creating good paying jobs and improving air quality as we continue to make bold progress towards achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040,” said Gov. Polis.
This winter, Governor Polis announced a new initiative directing state agencies and utilities to take action to provide relief from high energy costs for Colorado homes and businesses. This morning in Boulder, Governor Polis signed SB23-291 Utility Regulation sponsored by Senators Steve Fenberg Lisa Cutter and Reps. Chris deGruy Kennedy and Matthew Martinez, as part of the Polis administration’s work in partnership with the legislature to protect Coloradans from high energy price swings and high costs for home heating.
Governor Polis also signed HB23-1234 Streamlined Solar Permitting And Inspection Grants sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Matt Soper, Senators Dylan Roberts and Perry Will to cut red tape and simplify and accelerate deployment of solar energy to continue making bold progress on ambitious clean energy goals, including achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040.
This afternoon at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Governor Polis will sign HB23-1252 Thermal Energy sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Cathy Kipp, Senators Tony Exum and Chris Hansen to advance the adoption of clean geothermal energy heating and cooling systems, saving people money and creating good paying jobs. Governor Polis will also sign SB23-016 Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measures sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Emily Sirota, Senator Chris Hansen, building upon the Polis administration’s ongoing work in partnership with the legislature to fight for clean air.
"Expanding Colorado's ability to regulate carbon storage will create job opportunities, aid in the development of this emerging industry in a safe and protective manner that aligns with the State’s priorities, and help promote this clean energy technology that is critical as a tool in addressing climate change,” said Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission Chair Jeff Robbins. “The COGCC is well poised with its resources and regulatory understanding to now help carbon storage be deployed safely and responsibly in Colorado."
Earlier this spring, Governor Polis joined legislators including Rep. Cathy Kipp, Rep. Ruby Dickson, Rep. Mike Weissman, Senator Chris Hansen, and community members to announce bold investments in clean energy that reduce energy costs, boost new and emerging clean energy technologies, and save people money on electric vehicles, electric bikes, and heat pumps. Today, in Aurora, Governor Polis will sign this transformative legislation into law, signing HB23-1272 Tax Policy That Advances Decarbonization sponsors Representatives Mike Weissman and Junie Joseph, Senators Steve Fenberg and Lisa Cutter. This bold legislation is the largest investment in clean energy and air quality improvements in Colorado's history and supports the Polis administration's ongoing work in partnership with the legislature to make sure Coloradans have low-cost, reliable energy. Soon, Coloradans will have additional access to rebates and tax credits to reduce the costs of electric vehicles, electric bikes, high-efficient electric heating appliances, and other technologies. These efforts will also ensure Colorado takes full advantage of federal investments over the coming decade.
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