Concerning removal of wind generation as a clean energy source related to the state's clean energy goals.
Summary
SB 26-028 would change Colorado’s renewable and clean energy definitions by removing wind generation from the list of eligible renewable energy resources and by excluding wind energy from the definition of a “clean energy resource” for purposes of the state’s carbon dioxide reduction and clean energy planning laws. As introduced, the bill amends the state’s renewable energy standard statute and the clean energy targets statute so that wind power would no longer count toward compliance with those programs.
The practical effect would be to alter how utilities, regulators, and plan filers measure compliance with Colorado’s clean energy requirements. Utilities that currently rely on wind generation to meet renewable energy standard obligations or clean energy plan targets would need to adjust their resource portfolios and planning assumptions for future filings and renewable energy credit applications. The bill applies prospectively to clean energy plans and renewable energy credits submitted on or after the effective date, and it would take effect after the referendum period unless referred to voters.
The available legislative history shows the bill did not advance out of the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and was postponed indefinitely. Because there are no recorded votes or committee transcripts provided, there is limited direct evidence of debate, but the bill’s subject matter suggests a significant policy shift away from wind as a qualifying clean resource. That kind of change is likely to draw strong opposition from renewable energy advocates, utilities with wind-heavy portfolios, and clean-energy stakeholders, while supporters would likely frame it as a narrower definition of clean energy or a policy correction.
The main point of contention is the exclusion of wind power, which is one of Colorado’s major renewable resources and a common compliance tool under state energy mandates. Opponents would likely argue that removing wind undermines existing clean energy goals, increases compliance costs, and conflicts with emissions-reduction policy, while proponents would likely argue that the state should not count wind toward clean energy targets. The bill’s failure to move out of committee indicates that, at least in this session, the proposal did not have enough support to proceed.
Impact
The bill would amend Colorado Revised Statutes sections 40-2-124 and 40-2-125.5 to remove wind energy from the statutory definitions used for renewable energy standards and clean energy resource planning. This would affect qualifying retail utilities, utility regulators, and entities filing clean energy plans or applying renewable energy credits, because wind generation would no longer count toward compliance under the affected provisions for future filings after the effective date.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill history is negative or at least insufficiently supportive, as SB 26-028 was postponed indefinitely in the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee. With no recorded votes or transcripts available, the record suggests the proposal did not gain enough traction to advance, likely because it would significantly narrow Colorado’s clean energy framework by excluding wind power.
Contention
The central controversy is whether wind generation should remain a qualifying renewable and clean energy source under Colorado law. Supporters of the bill would likely argue for excluding wind from clean energy targets, while opponents would likely emphasize that wind is a core part of the state’s renewable portfolio and that removing it would undermine emissions-reduction goals, complicate utility compliance, and potentially raise costs. The bill’s impact on existing clean energy planning and renewable energy credit use would be the main practical concern for utilities and clean energy stakeholders.