HB23-1161 Summary: Environmental Standards for Appliances

• Expands Colorado's appliance efficiency standards to cover 30+ new product categories including air purifiers, electric water heaters, gas fireplaces, thermostats, residential windows/doors/skylights, and irrigation controllers, with compliance required starting January 1, 2026.

• Phases out mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs (compact and linear) effective January 1, 2025, requiring transition to mercury-free LED alternatives.

• Establishes emission standards for water heaters and furnaces effective January 1, 2026, limiting nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions to reduce air pollution and smog in Colorado counties.

• Creates enforcement mechanisms including online compliance monitoring, anonymous reporting system for violations, and civil penalties up to $500,000 per violation series, with penalties directed to the Energy Fund.

• Appropriates $49,730 for implementation in fiscal year 2023-24 and takes effect after 90 days following legislative adjournment unless subject to voter referendum.