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ColoradoHB26-12682026 Regular SessionHouse

Renewable Energy Development on Disturbed Lands

Sponsored By: Karen McCormick (Democratic), Lesley Smith (Democratic), William Lindstedt (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnergyLocal Government

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Local renewable energy sites gain safeguards

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado local permitting offices can designate eligible land as renewable energy reinvestment areas. Eligible land includes brownfields, mining-affected land, closed landfills, qualifying former oil and gas sites, and sites under specified cleanup programs. Offices must publish proof of eligibility, consult state wildlife officials, and reach out to disproportionately impacted communities. Public hearings are required unless designation occurs through a new or substantially modified urban renewal or county revitalization plan. Eligible projects must have administrative review based only on objective standards, and each area must have a contact person. Local governments must consult the Southern Ute Indian Tribe before designating sites within its reservation. In the Brunot Area, they must consult both Ute tribes about effects on hunting, fishing, and gathering rights. Designation does not override federal or state environmental laws.

Energy developers get information and guidance

Beginning August 12, 2026, utilities must acknowledge local government or developer requests about designated renewable energy areas within 30 days. Utilities must share readily available information and respond to connection-information requests for proposed sites within 30 days. The Colorado Energy Office must publish a guide to renewable project siting, permitting, and development by September 1, 2027. It must gather related technical resources on its website and periodically review and update the information.

Local authorities can finance renewable projects

Beginning August 12, 2026, local renewal authorities can use tax-increment revenue—tax growth from redevelopment—to finance or repay eligible project costs. Projects must be in a renewable energy reinvestment area included in an urban renewal or county revitalization plan. Eligible projects include solar, wind, geothermal, and energy storage; covered costs include land purchases, demolition, site preparation, cleanup, and installation. Plans can include reinvestment areas outside or not next to the renewal area, treating them as part of that area. Plans must map the boundaries and describe eligible projects and costs; county plans must also include legal descriptions. The law sets no funding amount and creates no new tax or direct household payment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Karen McCormick

    Democratic • House

  • Lesley Smith

    Democratic • House

  • William Lindstedt

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Boesenecker

    Democratic • House

  • Alex Valdez

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer Bacon

    Democratic • House

  • Jamie Jackson

    Democratic • House

  • Junie Joseph

    Democratic • House

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Jacque Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Kyle Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Lori Goldstein

    Democratic • House

  • Michael Carter

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Duran

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Sean Camacho

    Democratic • House

  • Tammy Story

    Democratic • House

  • Sen. A. Benavidez

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Cathy Kipp

    Democratic • Senate

  • Iman Jodeh

    Democratic • Senate

  • Judy Amabile

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Katie Wallace

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Cutter

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 66

House vote • 4/14/2026

Senate amendments: Repass

Yes: 44 • No: 19

House vote • 4/14/2026

Senate amendments: Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 18

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 24 • No: 7

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1268 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 6 • No: 3

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Adopt amendment L.003

Yes: 4 • No: 5

House vote • 3/16/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 48 • No: 14

House vote • 3/11/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1268, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    5/27/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    5/22/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    5/22/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    5/22/2026House

  5. House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass

    4/14/2026House

  6. House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily

    4/11/2026House

  7. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  8. Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor

    4/9/2026Senate

  9. Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole

    4/6/2026Senate

  10. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Transportation & Energy

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    3/16/2026House

  12. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee

    3/13/2026House

  13. House Committee on Energy & Environment Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

    3/11/2026House

  14. Introduced In House - Assigned to Energy & Environment

    2/19/2026House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Final Act

    PDF

  • House Energy & Environment Preamend

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Reengrossed

    PDF

  • Rerevised

    PDF

  • Revised

    PDF

  • Signed Act

    PDF

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