SIGNED! Paschal's Bill to Boost Geothermal Energy, Lower Costs

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed Rep. Amy Paschal's bipartisan bill to encourage more geothermal energy production and save Coloradans money on their energy bill. 

“Colorado’s abundant geothermal energy–the heat beneath our feet–can reduce heating and energy costs and save Coloradans and businesses money,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “This bipartisan law will boost geothermal energy production while establishing strong protections for geologic carbon storage facilities. We’re taking steps today to bring low-cost renewable energy sources to market in Colorado to save consumers and businesses money on energy costs.”

HB25-1165, also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, streamlines the geothermal energy production permitting process to better commercialize this renewable energy source. Geothermal energy can be produced 24/7 and is a stable, renewable source of energy for heating and cooling businesses and homes. 

This law also establishes a long-term funding mechanism to ensure the safety of geologic carbon storage operations. Geological storage, a form of carbon capture and sequestration, is a climate change mitigation strategy that stores greenhouse gases underground. Beginning in 2026, this bill establishes a stewardship fee to be paid by operators of geologic storage to maintain the geological storage facility and help prevent leaks or damage.