The Colorado Chamber Governmental Affairs Council, Energy & Environment Council and Regulatory Affairs Council convened this week to provide members with legislative and regulatory updates, hear from guest speakers and take positions on key bills affecting the business community.
The Governmental Affairs Council was joined by members of the governor’s legislative office, Eleni Angelides, legislative director; Jamie Short, deputy legislative director; Casey Badmington, deputy legislative director: Xander Martin, deputy legislative director. The governor’s team shared their legislative priorities for their final year in office, focusing on pathways to improving Coloradans access to housing. Members then had the opportunity for questions before hearing updates on legislation and taking positions on introduced bills.
The Energy & Environment Council heard from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment who described their legislative and regulatory priorities and provided updates on their rulemaking schedule and planned fee increases. Guest speakers included Lindsey Ellis, senior director of legislative affairs; Nicole Rowan, director, Water Quality Control Division and Michael Ogletree, senior director of state air quality programs. Council members had the opportunity to ask questions about the energy legislation that the department anticipates for the 2026 session.
Governmental Affairs Council Positions:
SB 20: Support
This bill creates several initiatives aimed at improving the childcare provider licensure process. It expands the use of a digital file system, limits third party inspections, and allows the state to issue provisional licenses for providers held up in local zoning and land use regulations. The Chamber supports this bill because it increases the availability of childcare, a priority of the Vision 2033 strategic plan.
Energy & Environment Council Positions:
SB 2: Oppose
This legislation requires an investor-owned utility to submit a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission establishing a residential electricity program providing discounted rates to income qualified customers. The Energy and Environment Council took an “oppose” position due to existing investments in income qualified programs by utilities.
SB 16: Amend
The bill prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other plastic materials through state waters or runoff during production, use or transportation. The Council voted to amend this bill to address its redundant nature and burdensome penalties.
SB 22: Support
This bill allows utilities required to reduce emissions by 2030 to submit a report describing challenges they are facing in reaching current reduction goals. Once this report has been submitted, a utility can submit an updated plan with a year, not later than 2040, that the utility expects to meet emissions goals. The Chamber supports this bill because it prevents significant cost increases for consumers and supports a more feasible timeline for businesses.
HB 1007: Amend
This proposal creates requirements for utility customers using portable-scale solar generation devices and prevents utilities from requiring or prohibiting certain equipment to integrate these devices into the grid. The Colorado Chamber’s Energy & Environment Council voted to amend this bill because of concerns for worker safety.
HB 1030: Amend
This bill creates the Data Center Development and Incentive Program under the Colorado Data Center Development Authority to incentivize efficient data center development. The program allows a 100% state sales and use tax exemption on qualified purchases to the operator of a certified data center. The Council took an “amend” position to clarify language surrounding the requirements for a data center and language on how the bill affects municipal utilities.