Clean energy bills we're following — with the latest updates! - Western Colorado Alliance for Community Action

The 2025 session is over halfway through, and there has been a lot of action around the Capitol this year, with many important and sometimes contentious bills coming up for consideration. The state’s budget crisis is killing many bills before they get very far in the process, but some are still making it through. Among these important bills are three pieces of legislation that will have a major impact on the clean and renewable energy landscape in our state — with the latest updates on all bills. (You’ll find the updates in the green boxes below.)

HB25-1096: Automated Permits for Clean Energy Technology (SUPPORT)

This bill requires counties and municipalities with over 5,000 residents to adopt an automated platform for permitting residential solar panel installations. The platform must process at least 75% of applications, ensuring quick approval for code-compliant projects on existing homes. The Colorado Energy Office will oversee compliance, provide funding and assistance, and report on expanding automated permitting to other electrification projects. The state electrical board must also implement a similar platform for electrical permits related to residential solar.

If HB25-1096 passes, the main outcomes will be:

Faster Solar Permitting – Automated platforms will streamline approvals for residential solar installations, reducing wait times.
Increased Solar Adoption – Easier permitting could encourage more homeowners to install solar panels.
Standardized Processes – Counties and municipalities will have uniform digital permitting, improving efficiency and consistency.
State Oversight and Support – The Colorado Energy Office will monitor compliance, provide funding, and explore expanding automation to other electrification projects.
Improved Electrical Permitting – The state electrical board will adopt a similar automated system for residential solar-related electrical permits.

This bill aims to speed up solar installations, reduce bureaucratic delays, and support clean energy adoption. Opponents of this bill say that it impedes local control of counties to determine how permitting is done, and that a one-size-fits-all approach to permitting could be detrimental to counties. Some concerns with this bill include, well, everything that comes along with nuclear energy – mining, waste, and refinement of ore are all incredibly environmentally impactful, and we have great concerns over what can of worms this could open up. However, it must also be recognized that today ⅕ of the energy our nation uses comes from nuclear sources, and technology has been improving, meaning greater safety and efficiency.

UPDATE: HB25-1096 was sent to the House Finance Committee to assess whether the $78k price tag was worth it at this time (when we are facing significant budget problems at the state level). The sentiment after testimony was that this was a good bill that would make accessing solar easier for residents across the state, though concerns were noted about counties being mandated to implement it when many already had systems that worked. This bill would have likely passed; however, due to budget concerns, it was recommended that it be re-run in a future session.

HB25-1130: Labor Requirements for Government Construction Jobs (SUPPORT)

This bill sets optional apprenticeship requirements for public and energy sector projects. It allows contractors to opt in to participate in registered apprenticeship programs, ensures compliance through certification and documentation, allows waivers, and permits project labor agreements that exempt projects from these rules.

If HB25-1130 passes, it will likely lead to:

Stronger Workforce Training – More contractors and subcontractors may participate in registered apprenticeship programs, increasing skilled labor in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and construction trades.
Higher Compliance and Oversight – Lead contractors may certify and document apprenticeship participation, improving accountability in public projects.
Potential Project Cost and Timeline Impacts – Compliance with apprenticeship requirements could increase costs or extend project timelines, though it may also improve work quality and safety.
Increased Use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) – Agencies may adopt PLAs to secure skilled labor and streamline projects, which would exempt them from apprenticeship and prevailing wage requirements.
County-Level Flexibility – Counties can choose to adopt state apprenticeship and prevailing wage standards, potentially raising labor standards in more areas.

This bill aims to enhance workforce development, ensure fair wages, and improve project quality while adding regulatory requirements for contractors. Some concerns with this bill are that a lot of these construction jobs are related to money from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that is currently being held up by the Trump Administration. Without the increase in construction and energy jobs, the costs and requirements may not be worth it in the end.

UPDATE: This bill has passed the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on an 8-1 vote, with minor amendments removing the word “shall” and replacing it with “may,” meaning it can be opted into rather than required.

SB25-127: Optimizing Colorado Electric Transmission System (SUPPORT)

This bill expands the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority’s role by making transmission capacity studies mandatory and recurring every three years, while also requiring a statewide transmission plan. It designates the main authority as a “statewide transmission coordinator,” who will facilitate planning and regional coordination. Electric utilities must include transmission plans in their resource plans, evaluate advanced transmission technologies, and provide data for statewide coordination. The bill also allows the Public Utilities Commission to create incentives for using advanced transmission technologies.

If SB25-127 passes, the key outcomes will be:

Improved Transmission Planning – Regular studies and a statewide transmission plan every three years will enhance grid development and capacity expansion.
Statewide Coordination – The Colorado Electric Transmission Authority will oversee and coordinate transmission planning across utilities and regions.
Increased Use of Advanced Technologies – Utilities must evaluate advanced transmission technologies, with potential incentives for adoption.
More Transparent Utility Planning – Utilities will be required to include detailed transmission plans in their resource plans and share data for statewide coordination.
Enhanced Grid Efficiency and Reliability – Long-term planning and advanced technology integration could improve grid resilience and accommodate more renewable energy.

This bill aims to modernize Colorado’s outdated electric transmission system, improve coordination, and encourage innovative grid solutions. Some concerns about this bill include the increased burden on electric utilities to produce reports every 3 years, and the ballooning costs of installing new transmission lines and technologies.

In summary, each of these bills looks to reshape the way energy projects are implemented and staffed, create new opportunities for clean energy technologies, and create faster ways for us to adopt renewable energy sources that will bring down costs and increase our grid’s resilience and self-reliance. We will keep you updated as these bills make their way through the state legislature!roving, meaning greater safety and efficiency.

UPDATE: This bill was significantly amended to remove prevailing wage requirements for public projects, and removed the fiscal note from $64,570 to $0, increasing its likelihood of passing. This bill has passed both Business Affairs and Labor and Appropriations committees, and has moved to a vote by the whole House to determine if it passes.

Share this story and spread the love!

Clean energy bills we’re following — with the latest updates!

Clean energy bills we’re following — with the latest updates!