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Report No. 2019-TE20

Note: A more recent evaluation was issued in December 2024. Click HERE to access the December 2024 report.

During the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to natural resources and environment; including addressing oil and gas production, renewable energy, and sustainability.

Colorado has a uniquely diverse landscape. From the plains of the eastern front to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the state’s energy profile includes coal and natural resources as well as renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal. Capitalizing on the diversity of resources and in response to increased energy demands, the General Assembly considered several measures related to energy and natural resources during the 2025 legislative session.

Summary report for the Energy Legislation Review Interim Study Committee.

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.

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 House Select Committee on Climate Responsibility was convened pursuant to House Rule 25B, which allows the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Speaker) to create a committee to review a single specified subject matter area or issue during a regular legislative session. The purpose of the House Select Committee on Climate Responsibility (committee) was to consider policy options that would enable Colorado to meet its climate targets and goals. Topics included energy efficiency and local job creation; rural opportunities; and power supply, energy storage, and transmission.

As the energy industry diversifies and demand to decarbonize the economy increases, interest in nuclear energy has increased in recent years. Any future nuclear energy development will involve next generation technology, which differs from traditional nuclear energy projects. This issue brief discusses the role of nuclear power in Colorado energy policy, advances in nuclear energy techology, and factors that may impact future policy decisions.

This issue brief provides information on electric utilities in Colorado, and how utilities generate and distribute electricity to Colorado homes and businesses.  The issue brief also describes the regulation of investor-owned electric utilities by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

This issue brief provides an overview of nuclear energy, its history in Colorado, public health and safety concerns, and recent technology advancements.

Some U.S. cities have adopted legislation to limit or restrict the use of natural gas systems in new construction, instead requiring building systems or appliances to be powered by electricity.  In response to these natural gas prohibitions, some states have enacted legislation prohibiting cities from restricting natural gas systems in new construction.  This issue brief provides background on the issue and how it applies to Colorado.

This memorandum provides information on state tax expenditures for renewable energy resources.  State tax expenditures include individual and corporate income tax credits, deductions, and exemptions, and sales and use tax exemptions.  Renewable energy resources include solar, wind, geothermal, greenhouse gas neutral biomass, and certain hydroelectricity, as defined in Colorado Statute under the Renewable Energy Standard.  

Report No. 2022-TE13

Report No. 2020-TE9

Report No. 2020-TE3

During the 2018 legislative session, the General Assembly considered measures concerning the Colorado Energy Office, oil and natural gas regulations, and energy storage systems.

The General Assembly considered a variety of energy-related legislation during the 2014 session. The bills focused on changes to the renewable electricity standard, the Colorado Energy Research Authority, and enterprise zone investment tax credits.

During the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several energy‑related measures.  These bills addressed the Public Utilities Commission’s operations, the Colorado Energy Office’s funding, renewable energy, electricity generation, transmission and use, and oil and gas.

Report No. 2024-TE8

Legislative Council Staff produces greenhouse gas emissions reports (GHG reports) that estimate the emissions impact of certain bills. Utilization of these reports has been low. The reports repeal following the 2025 session unless extended by legislation.