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Bill > HB1268

CO HB1268

CO HB1268
Renewable Energy Development on Disturbed Lands

summary

Introduced
02/19/2026
In Committee
04/06/2026
Crossed Over
03/19/2026
Passed
04/14/2026
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Section 1 of the bill 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, engage in outreach of disproportionately impacted communities, and ensure that an eligible project may be permitted and constructed pursuant to an administrative approval process based solely on the eligible project's compliance with objective standards. If an eligible project is sited in a renewable energy reinvestment area, an urban renewal authority or county revitalization authority (tax increment financing authority) may distribute tax revenue to finance any public infrastructure needed for the eligible project in a manner consistent with the tax increment financing authority's governing statutes. Section 1 requires a utility to respond to a request made by a local government or an eligible project developer for interconnection information regarding the proposed site of an eligible project within 30 days after the request is made. Section 2 requires the Colorado energy office to consolidate, publish on its website, and periodically update information and resources concerning the process for siting, permitting, and developing eligible projects in renewable energy reinvestment areas. Sections 3 and 4 make conforming amendments.

AI Summary

This bill allows local governments to designate specific areas, called "renewable energy reinvestment areas," for the development of renewable energy and energy storage projects on "eligible sites," which include brownfields, former mining lands, closed landfills, and sites affected by oil and gas operations. To create these areas, local governments must hold public hearings, engage with disproportionately impacted communities, and ensure that projects can be approved based on objective standards. If a project is located in one of these designated areas, tax increment financing authorities, such as urban renewal or county revitalization authorities, can use tax revenue to fund necessary public infrastructure. The bill also requires utilities to respond to requests for interconnection information from local governments or project developers within 30 days, and the Colorado Energy Office will provide consolidated information and resources on its website to guide the siting, permitting, and development of these projects.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (25)

Last Action

House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass (on 04/14/2026)

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