DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to make it faster, easier and less expensive for local governments to approve solar installation projects. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Matt Soper, helps local governments implement free automated permitting and inspection software by establishing a grant program to offer one-time financial assistance.
“This legislation will help Colorado achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040 by making it easier and cheaper for local governments to approve solar projects,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Streamlining the local government approval process for solar projects means more Coloradans can begin using this clean and renewable power source for their homes. This bill saves local governments time and money, cuts bureaucratic red tape and speeds up clean energy projects – it’s a win-win-win.”
HB23-1234 passed committee unanimously and would establish the Streamlined Solar Permitting and Inspection Grant Program to assist local governments with the start-up costs associated with implementing free automated permitting and inspection software. This software would help local governments to review and approve residential solar projects faster. Automating the permit and inspection process will reduce costs for consumers and accelerate Colorado’s transition to clean energy.
This legislation is part of a broader energy bill package unveiled by Colorado Democrats last week to accelerate the clean energy transition and make Colorado a leader in budding clean energy technologies.