***UPDATE***

The hearing for HB 1001 will now be next week, likely either Tuesday or Thursday.  We wanted to allow a bit more time to iron out the final details as well as to make sure we time the hearing to maximize as much media coverage as possible.  Check back for more details soon or go to http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2010A/csl.nsf/Calendars?openFrameset&Frame=Bottom&Src=/Clics/CLICS2010A/csljournals.nsf/GetLatestHseCal?OpenAgent for more information.

HB 1001. That is the first bill introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives every legislative session and typically a bill that is given special, symbolic weight. The very exciting news is that HB 1001 this year is a top priority for Colorado Conservation Voters and our allies in the conservation community.

HB 1001 would expand the state’s Renewal Energy Standard (RES) to require 30% of the electricity generated from investor owned utilities come from renewable sources such as wind and solar by the year 2020. Currently, investor utilities such as Xcel are required to be at 20% by 2020.

With today’s 20% standard, we’ve already seen the creation of tens of thousands of jobs in our state. In 2008 alone, more than $150 million was invested. Increasing the standard to 30% will lead to even stronger job creation numbers. Not to mention, expanding our use of renewable energy will lessen our reliance on old, dirty sources of power such as coal.

In short, an expanded RES is a win for our economy and a win for Colorado’s environment.

Of course, we have a long way to go to see HB 1001 signed into law. The bill is scheduled for its first hearing this Thursday morning in the House Transportation and Energy committee (committee calendar). You can listen or watch online or come to the capitol to see the action in person. And be sure to contact your legislator and urge them to support HB 1001!

Look for frequent updates on HB 1001 and other environmental legislative priorities as well as the latest on Colorado politics as they relate to conservation in this blog and on the CCV Bill Tracker.

Warmly,

Pete