SB24-039 Summary

• Adds nuclear energy to Colorado's statutory definitions of "clean energy" and "clean energy resource" to make it eligible for clean energy project financing and to help utilities meet 2050 carbon dioxide emission reduction goals.

• Establishes legislative findings that nuclear energy is the largest source of carbon-free electricity in the United States, generating approximately 50 percent of the country's carbon-free electricity.

• States nuclear power plants have capacity factors greater than 90 percent, making them 2-3 times more reliable than wind energy and 4-5 times more reliable than solar energy for providing baseload power.

• Declares that recognizing nuclear energy as clean will align Colorado with federal efforts, attract public and private funding for clean energy innovation, and create high-quality jobs in local communities.

• Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly, unless subject to a referendum petition, in which case it requires approval by voters in the November 2024 general election.