HB 26-1268

HB 26-1268, titled "Renewable Energy Development on Disturbed Lands," allows local governments to designate specific areas within their jurisdiction as zones for renewable energy and storage projects. These designations must involve public hearings and community engagement, especially with disproportionately impacted communities, and ensure that projects can be approved based on objective standards without needing additional permits. The bill also requires utilities to provide interconnection information within 30 days of a request from project developers or local governments. Additionally, it mandates the Colorado Energy Office to publish and update resources for developing these renewable energy projects online. Since the status is "signed," this means that the governor has approved the bill, making its provisions official law in Colorado. This will affect local governments, utility companies, and communities interested in renewable energy development on disturbed lands.

Official Summary

The act authorizes a local government with permitting authority over land uses (local government) to designate one or more areas within the jurisdiction of the local government as renewable energy reinvestment areas for the siting of renewable energy and energy storage system projects (eligible projects). In designating an area as a renewable energy reinvestment area, the local government must hold at least one public hearing and hold at least one public hearing for any construction permit applications required for a proposed eligible project in the renewable energy reinvestment area or must designate the area as part of an urban renewal plan or county revitalization plan and ensure that any outreach to and engagement of disproportionately impacted communities is consistent with statutory requirements. A local government cannot designate an eligible site within tribal lands without first consulting with the tribe with jurisdiction over the lands.     If an eligible project is sited in a renewable energy reinvestment area, an urban renewal authority or county revitalization authority (authority) may distribute tax increment revenue to finance or reimburse costs associated with the eligible project if the renewable energy reinvestment area is included in the authority's urban renewal plan or county revitalization plan.     In response to a request made by a local government or an eligible project developer for information regarding a designated renewable energy reinvestment area, a utility is required to acknowledge the request and provide the requestor readily available information within 30 days after the request is made.     The Colorado energy office is required to consolidate, publish on its website, and periodically update technical and informational resources concerning the process for siting, permitting, and developing eligible projects in renewable energy reinvestment areas.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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