In this Capitol Report:
Update: AQCC Reverses Decision on Early Power Plant Closures
The state’s Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) on Wednesday reversed a prior order that would have shut down several power plants ahead of schedule. The Colorado Chamber previously sent a letter expressing concerns about energy affordability, reliability, and regulatory uncertainty should the early closures move forward.
The reversal stems from an agreement made earlier this year between agency staff and electric utility companies, which voluntarily agreed to shut down certain power plants ahead of schedule. Instead of accepting these plans, the Commission unilaterally accelerated the plant closings by a year, and in some cases many years.
The decision Wednesday reverses that order after backlash among the business community and energy industry. During the meeting, the Commissioners unanimously supported the reversal, citing reservations about the technical information on which the original decision was based. Questions were also raised about the scope and authority the AQCC has to mandate such plant closures.
View the Colorado Chamber’s original news release on the power plant closures here.
CO Department of Labor & Employment Releases Guidance on New Equal Pay Law
This week, the Department of Labor & Employment released its guidance on the adoption of the Equal Pay for Equal Work rule based on the passage of the 2019 legislation. The Colorado Chamber of Commerce recently sought changes to the Department’s proposed rule, and the Department subsequently made improvements to the final rule in response to formal comments submitted by the Colorado Chamber and other interest groups.
Please contact Loren Furman at [email protected] with any questions regarding this matter.
Applications Open for 2021 EXECs Advocacy Program
The Colorado Chamber is currently accepting applications for our 2021 EXECs Advocacy Program! EXECs is a 9-month program that offers exclusive insight into the workings of prominent Colorado companies through business tours and policy-based forums with key Colorado executives and officials.
Program participants will:
- Develop a strong foundation in Colorado business and policy advocacy.
- Gain perspective on critical issues impacting different regions of Colorado and the industries that support them.
- Network with other leaders from Colorado companies.
- Receive exclusive access to the inner workings of Colorado’s most prominent companies and industries.
- Get an inside look at the state legislative session and how the Colorado Chamber influences policy.
- Have access to the Colorado Chamber’s policy council meetings, where top experts in business strategize on legislation at the capitol.
Applications close on January 24th. More information is below: