New Energy Improvements and Job Creation Act of 2009: House Bill 09-1350

Primary House Sponsor: Miklosi

House Local Government Committee

Senate Sponsors: Heath & Schwartz

HB 09-1350 was introduced on April 17, 2009 by Representative Miklosi and has been assigned to the House Local Government Committee. 

Bill Summary

HB 09-1350 is an energy efficiency and renewable energy bill that creates a public corporation called the Colorado New Energy Improvement District. The District will enable residential home owners to receive assistance in making home energy improvements, such as installing more efficient heating and cooling systems. The District will assist eligible property owners by providing reimbursement for or direct payment of all or a portion of the cost of completing a new energy improvement through "special assessment bonds".

The District will promote the use of renewable energy generation systems, such as solar power, and encourage a transition from traditional, less efficient systems. It will protect homeowners from the full financial impact of these improvements, in addition to providing the following benefits:

· Improved air quality through a marked reduction in the amount of pollutants and greenhouse gases; released into the environment;

· Increased property values from the improvements;

· Stimulation of the state economy, specifically within the emerging clean energy and energy efficient jobs industry;

· Greater involvement of citizens in the new energy economy, with a minimization of the financial constraints that often bar new energy improvements.

The District's board will be appointed by various State members such as the Governor, Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and Senate and House Minority leaders, to assure a strong and capable administering body.

Position of the Sonoran Institute

We respectfully urge a "yes" vote on House Bill 09-1350 for the following reasons:

· It encourages and enables regular citizens to be a part of the new energy economy.

· It establishes Colorado as a leader in promoting renewable energy as well as energy efficient technologies for residential buildings.

· It will lower the greenhouse gas emissions and help improve overall air quality.

· It allows energy efficient improvements to be paid for over a longer term, thus allowing more people the opportunity to save money through lower energy bills.

For more information, contact

Rich McClintock, Director

Colorado Policy Program

rmcclintock@sonoraninstitute.org

1536 Wynkoop St., Ste. 307

Denver, CO 80202

303.605.3484

www.sonoraninstitute.org