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DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed two bills to protect Colorado’s environment. HB26-1268 would streamline permitting for renewable energy developments on underutilized land for communities across the state. SB26-016 would establish new guardrails to prevent plastic pellets from polluting Colorado waterways.
“Many communities in Colorado are looking for creative ways to address climate change, invest more in renewable energy and create new jobs,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB26-1268. “This bill gives local governments more tools to attract, build and invest in renewable energy resources, such as solar or wind. By reinvesting in underutilized land, our communities can help Colorado reach its climate goals and diversity their energy sources. HB26-1268 is a win-win for our climate and local communities.”
“Along with Rep. McCormick, our bill makes it possible for communities across our state to invest in renewable energy,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB26-1268 and SB26-016. “Diversifying our energy sources helps drive down utility costs for consumers, and this bill would make it easier for local governments to finance renewable energy projects on underutilized or abandoned land. Another bill I am sponsoring, SB26-016, will better protect Colorado’s waterways from plastic pellets, which will help safeguard our freshwater ecosystem and our health. Together, these bills help address climate change and protect Colorado’s beautiful landscapes.”
HB26-1268 passed committee by a vote of 11-0. This bill would allow, not require, local governments to designate areas for renewable energy sites, specifically solar and energy storage system projects. To begin a renewable energy project, local governments would be required to hold at least one public hearing, engage in outreach to disproportionately impacted communities, and ensure that an eligible project may be permitted and constructed in accordance with state laws. Some examples of land could include decommissioned oil and gas sites, industrial sites, closed landfills, and previously mined areas.
This bill would empower local governments to utilize already disturbed land to attract and build renewable energy resources. Under HB26-1268, local governments would have more available tools to reach renewable energy goals and take advantage of tax increment financing, a tax financing tool, to reinvest in their communities.
The Energy & Environment Committee also passed SB26-016 to protect Colorado’s waterways and wildlife from plastic pellet pollution. SB26-016 passed a vote of 7-4.
“We need to do more to protect Colorado’s ecosystems and waterways from harmful materials,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of SB26-016. “Under this bill, facilities would no longer be issued permits to discharge small, plastic pellets into our waterways or natural lands. Fish and wildlife can ingest microplastics mistakenly as food, which can cause significant harm and disrupt the food chain. To protect our environment, this bill helps prevent plastic pellets from being discharged into our waterways now and into the future.”
SB26-016, also known as the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, would prohibit facilities that use, make, package or transport plastic pellets or preproduction plastic materials from discharging them into Colorado waterways and on land. Under certain circumstances, facilities can obtain a permit to discharge plastic pellets. Permits would no longer be issued under SB26-016, meaning all facilities would be prohibited from discharging plastic pellets into waterways or on land. These pellets are often discharged during production or transport and can take up to 1000 years to break down.
Of the waterways tested by the Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center in 2023, microplastics were identified in 100-percent of the samples. Zooplankton and fish often ingest plastic pellets by mistake, which can disrupt food chains.