HB 12-1315 Summary

• Renames the "Governor's Energy Office" to the "Colorado Energy Office" throughout Colorado statutes and establishes it as a distinct entity within the governor's office with a director and deputy director.

• Creates two new funds: the Clean and Renewable Energy Fund and the Innovative Energy Fund, each receiving dedicated severance tax revenues and other moneys for advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

• Expands the Colorado Energy Office's mission to promote all energy sources (including traditional energy like oil, coal, and natural gas) alongside clean and renewable energy, and to support job creation and economic development in Colorado's energy sector.

• Transfers administration of various state energy programs to the Colorado Energy Office, including school energy efficiency projects, solar installer qualifications, smart grid initiatives, and low-income household energy assistance programs.

• Appropriates $1.5 million from the Innovative Energy Fund and $2.16 million from the Clean and Renewable Energy Fund for Colorado Energy Office operations, legal services, and weatherization programs effective July 1, 2012.