Bill to Streamline Clean, Solar Energy Projects Passes House

Bipartisan legislation will reduce barriers for residential solar projects and cut costs for consumers and local governments

DENVER, CO – The House 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.

“We’re making it easier and cheaper for local governments to approve solar projects, which is good for everyone,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This bipartisan legislation streamlines clean energy projects by cutting red tape to save people and local governments time and money. Speeding up the permitting process for solar projects means more Coloradans can begin using clean and renewable power for their homes sooner, bringing us closer to achieving Colorado’s clean energy goals.”

HB23-1234, passed by a vote of 53 to 8 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 program would offer one-time financial assistance to implement the software, helping local governments to review and approve residential solar projects faster. Automating the permit and inspection process will reduce costs for consumers and local governments and accelerate Colorado’s transition to clean energy.