SB16-046 Summary

• Directs the Air Quality Control Commission to conduct a public input process and file an initial submittal to the EPA by June 1, 2016, to qualify Colorado for a two-year extension on submitting a state plan for carbon dioxide emissions regulation from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units

• Requires the Commission to develop a proposed state plan considering nine specific factors including compliance feasibility, reliability of electric service, cost-effectiveness, and impacts on low-income consumers, with participation from the Public Utilities Commission and electric utilities

• Mandates the Commission and Public Utilities Commission jointly submit the proposed state plan to the General Assembly, which must approve it by joint resolution before submission to the EPA

• Allows the Department to submit one revised version of the plan if either chamber rejects the initial proposal, with the revised version requiring legislative approval before EPA submission

• Suspends or terminates state plan implementation if a court stays or invalidates the federal emission regulations, and expands existing legislative review requirements for state implementation plans to include clean power plan state plans