Cleantech Developments in Colorado & DC
As summer slowly turns to fall, there are many policy updates impacting the cleantech business community. Despite continued cleantech headwinds coming out of DC there is steady progress being made here in Colorado. So lets jump right in…
Cleantech PAC
Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, there is another big election this November and CCIA needs your help. Up for grabs is an open gubernatorial seat, the entire State House of Representatives and who will control the current razor thin GOP majority in the State Senate. Many of us are getting bombarded with fundraising requests and events but if you work for a company who has received an Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant, Investor Tax Credit, R&D sales and use tax refund or an Innovative Workforce (Intern) Grant then please strongly consider donating to the Colorado Cleantech PAC.
These programs would not exist if we didn’t have a strong presence at the State Capitol and a little goes a long way. Our bipartisan PAC can accept contributions up to $575 from both companies and individuals. The PAC allows us to support pro-cleantech champions at the legislature and help create new relationships
Please donate today via
paypal here
. The important programs we have worked so hard to create and maintain depend on your support!
AEE/CCIA Candidate Forum
In August, CCIA, the Advanced Energy Economy, and several national cleantech companies met with a variety of Colorado candidates for higher office to discuss issues important to our industry sectors. The meetings were meant to be informational for both the business community and the candidates and were not tied to any endorsement process. We met with Democratic Attorney General Candidate Phil Wieser, a Policy Advisor for Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Walker Stapleton and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Jared Polis. It’s safe to say the dialogue was constructive and we look forward to working with whoever takes office in 2019 to help continue to grow cleantech in Colorado.
Colorado Energy Plan Moves Forward!
Recently
the PUC decided to move forward with Xcel Energy’s Colorado Energy Plan.
This plan would close two coal-fired power plants early in Pueblo and replace that power with hundreds of megawatts of solar, wind and battery storage. It is estimated that Xcel’s energy mix will be 55% renewable by 2026 upon full implementation of the plan. Congratulations to Xcel and all the stakeholders who worked on this important policy.
Click
here
for a good Denver Business Journal article summarizing the Colorado Energy Plan PUC ruling.
Trump Administration’s Version of the Clean Power Plan
Recently, the EPA released proposed rules for the Trump Administration’s plan to replace the previous Clean Power Plan as required by Clean Air Act guidelines. For the cleantech business community there is almost nothing to like about this plan, which could provide a lifeline to keep aging coal plants online longer. We anticipate a long drawn out battle on this in the courts.
