CO HB1246

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to develop a contingency plan for electrical generation and grid resilience against geomagnetic storms with specific recovery timelines ranging from brief interruptions for G1-G2 storms to five days for power generation resumption during G5 storms.

Mandates utilities to implement protective measures including monitoring space weather prediction centers, mechanically isolating critical components, installing automatic neutral ground blocking devices in transformers, and requiring cyber-certification of hardware and software.

Suspends the classification of carbon dioxide as an air pollutant in Colorado, making any existing statutes, ordinances, or executive agency rules treating carbon dioxide as a pollutant unenforceable or void.

Extends existing carbon dioxide emission reduction goals from 2030/2050 to 2040/2060 and makes grid resilience provisions take priority over carbon dioxide reduction goals under a new section 40-2-125.6.

Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly, subject to potential referendum petition and approval by voters at the November 2024 general election.