We are a third of the way into the 2018 General Assembly with a good deal of action already started on previously introduced bills with many more to yet be introduced. Some of the bills we are still anticipating include: 1) Alternative Fuel Vehicle Utility Infrastructure, 2) Utility PUC Storage Targets, and; 3) Economic Development Electric Rates for new load growth (IOUs).
Additionally, we will be closely watching the annual budget or "Long Bill" when it is introduced in the House during the last week in March. We anticipate it will include final numbers on the Advanced Industries Grant Program, the Innovative Workforce (Intern) program and several important budgetary placeholder items including the funding for the Colorado Energy Office. Budget Update - the Joint Budget Committee has voted to maintain full funding for the Colorado Energy Office and the Advanced Industries Export program. Please note that budget items need to still pass both chambers where many amendments are always introduced. Stay Tuned...
Introduced Bills Listed below:
SB 18-003 - Colorado Energy Office Reorganization - Repeals several unfunded and dormant programs and adds the words 'nuclear, hydro and energy storage" to the office's mission. Provisions on Senate confirmation for the Director of the office and the funding component were removed in committee. The funding component (amount unknown at this time) will be pursued via the budget process. Passed as Amended in Sen. Ag., Energy Committee and in Appropriations. The bill is poised to pass the Senate this week and head over to the House.
CCIA Position - Monitor.
SB 18-009 - Distributed Energy Storage Rights - Defines "Distributed Electricity Storage System" in statute. Provides guidelines for the PUC to streamline permitting and interconnection for customer sited storage and prevents Investor Owned Utilities from requiring an additional meter in addition to a single net energy meter for smaller systems. The bill passed the Senate on a strong bipartisan vote of 30-5. Scheduled for a House Transportation & Energy Committee hearing this week.
CCIA Position - Support
SB 18-047 - Repeal Tax Credits/Alternative Fuel Vehicles - Repeals all alternative fuel vehicle tax and lease credits (electric, natural gas, propane, conversions) on January 1, 2019 and requires the state to estimate the amount of the credits and transfer that funding to the Highway Users Tax Fund. The bill passed the Senate Finance Committee on 2.6.18 and is waiting for an Appropriations Committee hearing.
CCIA Position - Oppose
SB 18-064 - Increases the Renewable Energy Standard for all utilities (IOUs, Rural Electric Associations and Municipal) to 100% by 2035. Postponed Indefinitely in the Senate Ag. & Energy Committee.
CCIA Position - Monitor
SB 18-117 - Collect Long Term Climate Change Data - Requires the State to increase its data collection and reporting of a variety of data r/t climate change. Postponed Indefinitely - in the Senate State Affairs Committee. CCIA Position - Monitor
HB 18-1080 - Creates a Climate Leadership Awards program under the purview of the state climate change coordinator. Postponed Indefinitely in the House Transportation & Energy Committee.
CCIA Position - Monitor
HB 18-1085 - Requires the state to research and compile information on the health effects of noise and stray voltage from industrial wind energy turbines on humans and animals. Postponed Indefinitely in the House Transportation & Energy Committee. CCIA Position - Oppose
HB 18-1107 - Requires contractors for new residential single family and condominiums to offer a buyer the option to "pre-wire" for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Passed the House on a 34-27 vote.
CCIA Position - Support
HB 18-1135- Extend the Advanced Industries Export Grant Program for six years to 2025. The bill carries some prior funding and an additional $175K is included in this year's long bill to maintain current levels. This successful program helps businesses with expenses r/t export markets including IP, travel, interpreters and access to the Global Consultant Network. Passed the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on a 10-3 vote. Next stop is the House Appropriations Committee. CCIA Position - Support
We are looking for a few interested members to join our weekly policy update. Please email us for more information.
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