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Geothermal energy refers to heat that is found within the Earth.  This heat can be used in a number of ways through geothermal energy systems.  First, it can be used to directly heat buildings, where hot water near the earth’s surface is piped into buildings.  Second, it can be used indirectly using ground source heat pumps, which transfer heat from the ground or hot water reservoirs into buildings in the winter, a process that is reversed in the summer to cool buildings.  And finally, steam from hot water reservoirs can be used to generate electricity.

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.

Pursuant to Section 2-3-1602, C.R.S., the committee is charged with reviewing and proposing legislation or other policy changes related to wildfire prevention, mitigation, and related matters, including public safety and forest health issues.

The General Assembly considered multiple bills related to water, including legislation focused on project funding, xeriscaping, studying various water challenges across the state, and stream restoration.

Pursuant to Article 98 of Title 37, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to oversee the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources.

This memorandum provides information concerning Colorado’s severance tax structure and estimated effective severance tax rates, along with a comparison of effective rates for eight other western oil and gas producing states from 2018 to 2022.

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

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