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Greenhouse gas emissions have been identified by the global scientific community as the major driver of climate change.  Globally, countries are committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat the effects of climate change.  This memorandum provides background on the policies and programs related to greenhouse gas emissions reductions at the national, regional, and state levels within the United States.

This memorandum provides an overview of the history of the Clean Air Act, describes common air pollutants and their health impacts, describes Colorado’s air quality concerns and state programs, and lists recently proposed legislation, which aims to improve air quality.   

During the 2023 legislative session the General Assembly considered several measures related to energy and natural resources including clean energy; wildfire; and going green at home.

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.

This memorandum provides an overview of the process and methodology for drafting greenhouse gas emissions reports, pursuant to Section 2-2-322.3, C.R.S.  At the 2019 legislative session, House Bill 19-1188 was passed and signed by the Governor, which requires Legislative Council Staff to prepare greenhouse gas emissions reports on certain legislative bills starting at the 2020 legislative session. This memorandum provides an overview of the process and methodology for drafting greenhouse gas emissions reports, pursuant to Section 2-2-322.3, C.R.S.

Report No. 2018-TE13

Summary report for the Investor-owned Utility Review Interim Study Committee.

Procedures for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reports Form

Final Report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Energy Legislation Review Interim Study Committee.

Final Report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Investor-owned Utility Review Interim Study Committee.

This memorandum provides an overview of how energy consumption and usage has changed as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), and how Colorado utilities are responding.

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.

Community choice energy (CCE) is an alternative to the investor-owned utility energy supply system that allows local entities to aggregate individual customers within a defined service area and secure alternative energy suppliers on their behalf.  The primary goals of CCEs have been to lower costs for energy customers and allow greater control of the energy mix, particularly through increasing the proportion of renewable energy that is supplied. 

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.

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.

In 2019, the General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 19-181, which changes how the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) in the Department of Natural Resources regulates the development of oil and natural gas in Colorado. Since July 2019, the COGCC has conducted rulemaking hearings to adopt rules required in the bill. This memorandum summarizes Senate Bill 19-181 and the new rules adopted by the COGCC as of December 2020.

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