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DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills to protect Colorado’s public lands. HB25-1332 would improve conservation and stewardship of public lands. HB25-1292 would preserve habitats by reducing the environmental impact of essential infrastructure.
"Expanding our electric transmission infrastructure is one of the most important actions to successfully transition to a clean and vibrant carbon-neutral economy,” said Rep. Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25-1292. “This bill makes sure that Colorado can meet the need for new and upgraded electric transmission lines while protecting habitats and wildlife.”
“Colorado’s clean energy future depends on modern, efficient infrastructure,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB25-1292. “This bill helps streamline the placement of high-voltage transmission lines within the right-of-way for state highways. This will accelerate project timelines while reducing disruption to communities and the environment. By establishing a clear and responsible permitting process, we’re supporting a safer, more sustainable transition to clean energy.”
HB25-1292 passed the House by a vote of 45-20. This bill would streamline and codify the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) processes for transmission developers that are considering installing and maintaining essential high-voltage transmission lines (powerlines) along state highways. HB25-1292 aims to create a sustainable pathway for installing and maintaining this essential infrastructure that reduces environmental impact. Co-locating transmission lines along highways can significantly reduce impacts on wildlife and habitat compared to building new lines through greenfield areas
When a transmission developer and CDOT pursue the placement of transmission along a state highway right-of-way, the developer would be responsible for outlining mitigation strategies for impacted communities, habitats and wildlife. It is estimated that Colorado needs more than $4 billion of additional transmission investment to meet demand and reach our state’s climate goals.
“From recreation to agriculture, our public trust lands play a major role in Colorado’s economy, climate resiliency and habitat conservation,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB25-1332. “This bill would help uncover new opportunities for stronger stewardship of our public trust lands while continuing to financially support our schools through long-term funding.”
HB25-1332 passed the House by a vote of 43-22. Currently, the Colorado State Land Board (SLB) oversees most of Colorado’s trust lands, including state parks. This bill would establish a formal working group process to identify opportunities to improve and enhance conservation, agricultural operations, and outdoor recreation on state trust lands. There are more than 2.8 million surface acres and 4 million subsurface acres, such as lakes, caves and rivers, overseen by the Colorado SLB. Next year is the 150th anniversary of Colorado and the SLB.
This bill aims to uncover challenges and opportunities to advance conservation, agricultural leasing programs, wildlife habitat, climate resiliency and low-conflict recreation. HB25-1332 requires the working group to include participation from Colorado’s Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes, rural schools, and renewable energy organizations, among others.