summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
04/29/2026
04/29/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/13/2026
05/13/2026
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A renewable energy project developer (facility owner) that intends to undertake a project to build a renewable energy facility (renewable energy project) may currently submit an application for land use approval from the renewable energy project to a local government. However, current law does not specify what process a local government may use to charge fees or set a timeline for the local government to make a final decision regarding land use approval for the renewable energy project. The bill specifies that control over the specifics of the application process rests with the local government. The local government may establish fees for an application for a renewable energy project and may offer two independent tracks for the application based on the fee the facility owner pays. The standard track allows a facility owner to pay a lower fee, but does not guarantee a specific timeline for the local government to issue a final decision on the application. The expedited track allows a facility owner to pay an additional fee, with an agreement that if the local government takes longer than 120 days, minus any permitted tolling periods, a percentage of the higher fee will be refunded. The bill gives local governments authority to contract with third-party technical reviewers to review the application for a final decision. The bill also requires a facility owner to pay a success fee to the local government upon final approval of the project, based on the amount of time between receipt of the application and when the project is approved, to be used by the local government for expenses related to regulating renewable energy facilities and maintaining local roads impacted by facility construction.
AI Summary
This bill grants local governments in Colorado more authority over the land use approval process for renewable energy projects, recognizing that land use is a local function and that these facilities can have significant impacts on local roads, emergency services, and the environment. It establishes a voluntary structure to incentivize faster and more predictable permitting by allowing local governments to retain higher fees when statutory timelines are met and ensuring projects contribute fairly to local fiscal impacts through a "success fee" charged upon final approval. Developers can choose between a standard application process with a lower fee and no guaranteed timeline, or an expedited process with a higher fee that includes a refund if the local government exceeds 120 days for a decision, minus any permitted delays (known as "tolling periods"). Local governments can also hire independent third-party technical reviewers to assist in evaluating applications, with the developer covering these costs plus an administrative fee. Finally, a "success fee" will be charged upon project approval, with an additional component for expedited projects based on how quickly they are approved, and these funds are to be used by the local government for expenses related to regulating renewable energy facilities and maintaining local roads impacted by construction.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Second Reading Laid Over to 05/14/2026 - No Amendments (on 05/12/2026)
Bill Topics
Energy
- ‐ Alternative and Renewable Energy
Local Government
- ‐ General Local Government
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-082 | 02/06/2026 |
| Senate Transportation & Energy Amendment L.003 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/19692/download | 04/29/2026 |
| Senate Transportation & Energy Amendment L.002 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/19693/download | 04/29/2026 |
| Senate Transportation & Energy Amendment L.001 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/19694/download | 04/29/2026 |
| Fiscal Note FN1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/112323/download | 02/19/2026 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/111438/download | 02/06/2026 |
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