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In 2019, Colorado enacted House Bill 19-1261, establishing statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals.  Colorado also enacted Senate Bill 19‑096, requiring the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to promulgate rules to collect and report on GHG data and to implement measures to meet these GHG emissions reduction goals.

The Legislative Council Staff's Energy Handbook is intended to serve as a reference guide to Colorado's energy sector.  The book is divided into five sections.  Section I covers the sources and uses of energy in Colorado.  Section II explains how severance taxes and federal mineral lease moneys are calculated and distributed.  Section III looks at energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.  Section IV provides an overview of the state departments involved in energy issues.  Section V highlights local governments' role in energy.  The handbook also includes t

This memorandum provides an overview of the financial incentives for solar power offered by utilities in Colorado, as well as other incentives, including net metering programs and state tax incentives.

Report No. 2020-TE27

Report No. 2020-TE30

During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to natural resources and the environment, including environmental protection; wildfire prevention and control; land and species conservation; and state parks.

During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a variety of issues related to energy, including consumer protection and bill assistance; energy efficiency in new construction; renewable energy; and natural gas.

Report No. 2020-TE16

Note: A more recent publication was issued in May 2025. Click HERE to access the May 2025 memo.

Report No. 2020-TE19

Report No. 2020-TE22

Report No. 2020-TE24

Report No. 2020-TE3

This memorandum provides information regarding programs in Colorado that address deforestation and forest degradation, and the role that forests can play in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Final report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Wildfire Matters Review Committee. The purpose of this committee is to oversee and review the prevention, mitigation, and financing of wildfire matters in Colorado.

Final report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Water Resources Review Committee. The purpose of this committee is to oversee the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources.

Final report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Study Committee. The purpose of this committee is to study waste and recycling infrastructure, composting, and public awareness of moving toward zero waste in Colorado.

Procedures for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reports Form

This memorandum memorializes the process for requesting and preparing greenhouse gas emissions reports (reports) pursuant to Section 2-2-322.3, C.R.S. It outlines the number of reports per session, the process for requesting reports, the preparation and timing of reports, and the preparation of revised and final reports.

Summary report for the Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Study Committee.  

Summary Report for the Water Resources Review Committee to the Legislative Council.

During the 2019 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a variety of measures related to climate change, land conservation, wildfires, and other issues related to environmental protection.

During the 2019 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a variety of measures related to climate change, land conservation, wildfires, and other issues related to environmental protection.

During the 2019 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a variety of issues related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, public utilities, energy industry transition, and the regulation of oil and natural gas.

This handbook was created to help members of the House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee, Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee, the interim Water Resources Review Committee, and other legislators to better understand Colorado's water policies and programs that are likely to be encountered during their tenure.