Reported by CEN Staff

State legislators, nonprofits join Gov. Ritter to celebrate key environmental, sustainability and transportation legislation passed during 2009 session

DENVER - Praising the collaboration of key nonprofits and state legislators, Gov. Bill Ritter Thursday signed into law three green transportation bills and highlighted the significant strides made by environmental and sustainability organizations during the 2009 legislative session.

The bill-signing took place at the Alliance Center in LoDo, home to more than 30 nonprofit organizations and one of Colorado’s greenest buildings. All told, Alliance Center tenants championed more than 45 bills in 2009.

“The 2009 legislative session was a landmark for the state’s growing New Energy Economy and sustainability movement,” said Gov. Ritter. “Together, we made tremendous strides for the citizens of Colorado and our environment. The leadership coming out of the Alliance Center was a crucial component of that success.”

“This session was a terrific example of the great work we can achieve when groups work together on behalf of Colorado,” added John Powers, president of the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado. “Our progress this year will help forge a green economic recovery and create healthier communities across the state.”

The bills Gov. Ritter signed Thursday include:

♦ SB 75, the Low Speed Electric self-propelled vehicles bill, which allows wider use of neighborhood electric vehicles, or NEVs; Sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-District 5) and Rep. Don Marostica (R-District 51);

♦ HB 1298, the “Green Truck” bill, which provides green economic development incentives for Colorado’s trucking industry; Sponsored by Rep. Buffie Mcfadyen (D-District 47) and Sen. Shawn Mitchell (R-District 23);

♦ HB 1331, which provides an income tax credit for hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles; Sponsored by Rep. Sara Gagliardi (D-District 27) and Sen. Betty Boyd (D-District 21).

“Colorado has been and will continue to be a leader in the New Energy Economy,” Sen. Schwartz said. “I sponsored SB75 to promote low-speed neighborhood electric vehicles as one aspect of our larger energy goals this session.  This bill will help Colorado move toward a local sustainable electric transportation system, reduce carbon emissions and support communities throughout the state.” 

Groups hailed the leadership of Governor Bill Ritter and the Colorado state legislature for passing more than a dozen bills to advance a green economic recovery. At the same time, Governor Ritter and Energy Office director Tom Plant were key players in the national push to put clean energy investments at the core of federal stimulus spending to help Colorado grow good, green jobs.

“In the midst of tough economic times, the Legislature and Governor Ritter have shown leadership and foresight in passing green policies that will create jobs and local investment right here in Colorado,” said Pam Kiely, legislative program director of Environment Colorado. “Colorado has proven that we can do it all-save money, grow good jobs, and protect our environment with investments in clean energy, and this legislation ensures that Colorado will continue to lead the nation down this path.”

The legislature passed a suite of solar bills, including legislation to make solar a standard option on all new homes, a bill to create a low-interest loan fund for schools to make investments in renewable energy improvements such as solar and wind, and the extension of a sales and use tax exemption to solar hot water systems.  Already, renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements have created upwards of 88,000 jobs in Colorado.