Colorado House Democrats

West Slope Legislator Helps Keep Heat on During Long Winters

More Colorado families to depend on LEAP with looming recession

(Denver) As energy costs continue to rise, it is increasingly difficult for Colorado's most vulnerable residents to afford their home energy expenses. Families with children, senior citizens and individuals with special needs must allocate more of their limited resources to pay their energy bills.

State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction) is the sponsor of House Bill 1387, to expand the Low-Income Energy Assistance Funding, or LEAP.  The successful program has helped thousands of Colorado families keep their heat on during the long winter months.  The bill passed the House today on a vote of 52 to 13 and now heads to the Senate for full consideration, where it is sponsored by Senator Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver).

“Sometimes families go without necessities like medical care and food in order to keep the lights on.  The LEAP program gives relief to families who are forced to make these tough choices,” Rep. Buescher explained.

The bill creates an extension to a previous law while providing additional funding for an anticipated shortfall in funding in 2009.  Specifically, the funds will continue to be used to provide cash assistance to vulnerable households in addition to taking steps to make homes more energy efficient and safe.

Sun Rises Over New Era of Solar Energy

Bill continues expansion of Colorado’s New Energy Economy

Denver – On Friday, after concurring with Senate amendments, the House sent a bill to Governor Ritter helping Colorado take full advantage of its solar resources by opening the market to large – or utility – scale solar energy production. 

“If Colorado developed just two percent of its solar resources, it could meet half its energy demand,” said State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton), the prime sponsor of House Bill 1164.  “By investing in large-scale solar, we’re making good on our commitment to work toward genuine energy independence and to reduce the impacts of global warming.” 

The bill helps the state lessen its carbon footprint by opening the market to the creation of new energy technologies, including utility-scale solar power production.  It also asks the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to consider purchasing utility-scale solar energy when it’s feasible to do so, and to take into account the future cost of carbon-based energy sources and the impact of greenhouse gasses when purchasing energy.   

“Colorado has 300 days of sunshine annually; it’s one of the sunniest states in the country,” Rep. Solano continued.  “Southern Colorado in particular has the best solar resources for utility-scale solar in the country.  By tapping into this potent source of power, we can significantly reduce our overall energy costs – especially during the summer months, when energy consumption peaks.”

Colorado has one of the five largest potential solar markets in the nation. The San Luis Valley in southern Colorado – which is currently experiencing an economic downturn – could significantly benefit from the passage of HB 1164; it has been identified as one of the best solar energy producing regions in the nation.  Estimates suggest that even one large scale solar plant could lead to as many as 250 new high-skilled jobs and as much as $2 billion in private investment. 

The bill, which was also sponsored by State Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass Village), now awaits final action by the Governor.

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Bill Prohibiting HOAs from Restricting Energy Efficiency Measures on its Way to Governor

Today, the House sent a bill prohibiting Homeowners Associations (HOAs) from restricting energy efficiency measures to the Governor’s desk.  The House concurred with Senate Amendments to House Bill 1270 – which is sponsored by State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood) and State Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder). The bill then re-passed the House with a bi-partisan, 54 to 10 vote. 

The bill encourages homeowners to invest in technologies to lower their utility bills and helps all Coloradans participate in the new energy economy.  In so doing, the measure supports small businesses that produce renewable and efficiency technologies.

“This is one of the most progressive HOA energy efficiency measures in the country,” said Rep. Kerr.  “I’m proud to help empower thousands of Coloradans to maintain more energy efficient homes,”   

The bill extends an existing law that bars HOAs from limiting the use of solar devices.  It also includes other energy efficiency measures such as wind-electric generators, shade structures such as awnings, shutters, attic fans and swamp coolers, and retractable clotheslines. 

“This is yet another bill that goes to show, red, white blue is the new green,” proclaimed Rep. Kerr.   

HB 1270 now awaits action from the Governor.

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Measure to Provide Low-Interest Loans for Wind Turbines & Solar Panels at Home and Work Passes House

DENVER – The Clean Energy Home Financing Act, which is being sponsored by Majority Leader Alice Madden and State Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver), passed the House today on a broad, bi-partisan vote of 63 to 1.

“We are one step closer to giving every Coloradan a chance to have a new energy future,” said Rep. Madden.  “While empowering our local communities to give home and business owners a chance to lower their utility costs, we are creating new, ‘green collar’ jobs.”   

House Bill 1350 allows cities and counties to provide low- and no-interest loans for the upfront costs of solar panels and wind turbines.  The bill would permit efficiency improvements to be financed by the Colorado Clean Energy Development Authority or a process known as assessments.

If the measure passes, communities could finance loans using existing bond potential, or by creating special energy improvement districts. Home and business owners will then have the option of paying back the loans over time through a property lien. 

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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Go Get Yourself Some "Cheap Sunglasses"

Program providing low- and no-interest loans for solar panels at homes and businesses passes second hurdle in House

DENVER – A major bill making renewable energy systems – including small scale wind and solar – affordable for all Colorado home and business owners, passed the House on an initial voice vote today.   House Bill 1350, which is being sponsored by Majority Leader Alice Madden, allows cities and counties to provide low- and no-interest loans for the upfront costs of panels and turbines.   

“This bill sets the groundwork for every Colorado home, farm, ranch, and business to invest in a new energy future,” said Rep. Madden.  “This legislation gives our communities the tools for investment that will help homeowners and businesses build the new energy economy.”   

The Clean Energy Home Financing Act increases the types of projects that may be financed by the Colorado Clean Energy Development Authority to include energy efficiency retrofits.  It also expands the types of projects that may be paid for through a process known as assessments to include energy efficiency improvements. Current law allows assessments to be used to finance roads and sidewalks, as well as large capital construction on fixtures like water and sewage pipelines.

If the state provides those tools, it would allow communities to finance loans using existing bond potential, or by creating special energy improvement districts. Home and business owners will then have the option of paying back the loans over time through a property lien. 

“With 300 days of sunshine, we have the nation’s fifth best solar potential – and anyone who has felt a frigid winter gust on a chairlift won’t be surprised to learn we have the eleventh best wind potential too,” Madden continued.  “This bill helps all Coloradans capture their clean energy potential.” 

The bill awaits final approval by the House before it moves to the Senate, where it is being carried by State Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver).

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Rep. Buescher Passes 2 Bills through Committee, helping women with cancer and businesses with solar power

(DENVER)  If  State Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction) continues to have legislative success, each year 7000 Colorado women will continue to get the treatment and assistance they need to fight breast and cervical cancer.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program (CCPTP) was created in 2001.  Under this program, the Colorado Legislature extended Medicaid coverage to women under the age of 65 who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, including precancerous conditions, and have little or no insurance coverage.  The program was originally funded in part by tobacco settlement funds and in part by federal funds.

After witnessing its positive impact on breast and cervical cancer victims in Colorado, this year Rep. Buescher introduced legislation (House Bill 1373) to continue the CCPTP for another 7 years.  The bill secures the program’s financial security and ensures that it is not supported by the state’s general fund.  The bill now goes to the Appropriations Committee.

Rep. Buescher also guided a pro-business, pro-solar bill through committee today.  House Bill 1368 clarifies how some businesses, currently exempted from paying sales tax on wind or solar components (such as solar panels, inverters, voltage controls, and wind turbines), can be assessed and by whom.  The Department of Local Affairs will be the sole assessor.  The bill now goes to the House.

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Clean Energy for All Coloradans!

Program provides low- and no- interest loans for solar panels at home or business

From left in pic: Majority Leader Alice Madden, State Representative Dianne Primavera and Pam Kiely of Environment Colorado

(DENVER) – Tuesday at noon, House Majority Leader Alice Madden, championed the ‘Clean Energy Home Financing Act,’ making renewable energy systems – including small scale wind and solar – affordable for all Colorado homeowners and small businesses.  Rep. Madden was joined by state legislators, local elected officials and clean energy leaders as employees from Namaste Solar Electric held an array of solar panels.

Two hours later, House Bill 1350 passed out of the House Transportation & Energy Committee unanimously.

“Despite the availability of rebates, many Coloradans cannot afford the upfront costs of efficiency investments right now, even though it saves time and money in the long run,” said Rep. Madden.  “But this legislation gives our communities the tools for investment that will help homeowners and businesses build the new energy economy.”   

 

HB 1350 helps Coloradans of all income levels participate in the energy economy by providing low- and no- interest loans for energy savings devices like wind turbines and solar panels.

Cities and counties will be able to provide low- and no- interest loans for the upfront costs of panels and turbines.  Home and business owners will then have the option of paying back the loans over time through a property lien.  Communities can finance loans using existing bond potential, or by creating special energy improvement districts.      

“This is a remarkable program and the first of its kind in the country,” Rep. Madden noted.  “Just think about affect it could have: this sets the groundwork so every Colorado home, farm, ranch, and business can invest in a new energy future.”

The bill now moves to the House floor for further debate.  It is being co-sponsored in the by State Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver).

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Rep. Curry Responds to Oil & Gas Proposal

(DENVER) -  The Colorado Department of Natural Resources today proposed new ways to address Colorado’s oil and gas development.  In response, State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison) released the following statement:

"Today's announcement on how we will manage the oil and gas drilling boom balances protection of the environment, wildlife and public health with energy development.  Today, we have a clear and practical plan to put common sense protections in place."

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Go Big, Go Solar

“Colorful Colorado” Shows True Colors as Honorary “Sunshine State”

Denver – On Tuesday, the House voted to prove that Colorado is the true “sunshine state.”  House Bill 1164, sponsored by State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton), passed with bi-partisan support by a vote of 43 to 21.  The bill is yet another example of Colorado’s ongoing transformation into a world leader in renewable energy production.  Specifically, the bill opens the market to large – or utility – scale solar energy production.   

By developing just two percent of the solar market, Colorado could meet half its energy demands and offer tremendous cost savings to consumers.   Despite some confusion among lawmakers, the bill will not make utility rates go up. Under current law, utilities are prohibited from increasing rates over two percent annually for energy generated for the purposes of meeting the renewable energy standard; there is no cap whatsoever for energy derived from fossil fuels.  This safeguard ensures the gradual introduction of large-scale solar power into the market, while protecting consumers from skyrocketing utility bills.

“On scorching August days when the sun is beating down and every house is blasting their air conditioners, we will be able to capture the sun’s energy and use it to power all of those AC units,” said Rep. Solano.  “It’s time we look to the not-so-distant-future and diversify our energy sources.  Coloradans are primed to benefit from the sun’s power. Harnessing the sun’s energy can benefit all of us and keep rates down for all of us,” continued Rep. Solano. 

Sun Rises Over New Era for Solar Energy

Bill continues expansion of Colorado’s New Energy Economy

Denver – On Monday, the House voted to continue Colorado’s transformation into a world leader in renewable energy production.  House Bill 1164, sponsored by State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton), and which passed the House on an initial voice vote, will allow Colorado to take full advantage of its solar resources by opening the market to large – or utility – scale solar energy production.   

“Colorado has 300 days of sunshine annually; it’s one of the sunniest states in the country,” said Rep. Solano.  “Right now we’re underutilizing this potent resource, particularly at peak usage times during hot summer days.  By developing just two percent of the solar market, Colorado could meet half its energy demands and offer tremendous cost savings to consumers.  If we foster this resource correctly, there is no doubt the sun will be our single greatest energy resource.”

The bill helps mitigate our carbon footprint by opening the market to the creation of new energy technologies including large-scale solar power production.  It also directs the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to consider purchasing utility-scale solar power when it’s feasible to do so, and to take into account the future cost of carbon-based energy sources and the impact of greenhouse gasses when purchasing energy.   

“Global warming poses serious challenges; if we don’t act right now, we’ll get burned down the line,” continued Rep. Solano.  “By investing in large-scale solar, we’re investing in our future and working toward genuine energy independence.  This legislation will help us reduce pollution and create new, high-paying jobs in exciting new technologies.”

Colorado has one of the five largest potential solar markets in the nation. Colorado’s San Luis Valley, which is experiencing an economic downturn, would especially benefit from passage of HB 1164.  The San Luis Valley has been identified as one of the best solar energy producing regions in the nation, and this type of legislation has the potential to drive tremendous economic growth.   Estimates suggest that even one large scale solar plant could lead to as many as 250 new high-skilled jobs and as much as $2 billion in private investment. 

The bill awaits final passage by the House before moving to the Senate.

-- Posted by staff