HB 23-1247 Summary

• Requires the Colorado Energy Office to conduct two separate studies assessing advanced energy solutions in northwestern and west end of Montrose County Colorado, and in southeastern Colorado, with findings due by July 1, 2025.

• Studies must examine firm dispatchable energy resources including geothermal, clean hydrogen, advanced nuclear, wind and solar with storage, and long-duration storage, focusing on job creation, tax revenue, and electricity costs.

• Requires analysis of employment opportunities for skilled workers transitioning from coal-fired power plants, including potential job quantity, compensation, and required skill sets.

• Appropriates $50,000 from the just transition cash fund to the Colorado Energy Office for the 2023-24 fiscal year, anticipating an additional $166,374 in federal funds, with staffing needs of 0.1 FTE.

• The statutory requirement is repealed effective September 1, 2026, making this a temporary measure to support rural energy transition communities.