CO HB1292

HB 25-1292: Transmission Lines in State Highway Rights-of-Way

• Allows transmission developers to construct high voltage lines (exceeding 115 kilovolts) longitudinally within state highway rights-of-way, unless the CDOT executive director disapproves to protect public safety, communities, wildlife habitat, or highway function.

• Requires transmission developers to submit a constructability, access, and maintenance report with mitigation strategies for impacts to wildlife, communities, and disproportionately impacted communities before receiving a permit.

• Establishes site selection priorities starting January 1, 2027: developers must publicly report that they considered (1) existing utility corridors first, (2) state highway rights-of-way second, and (3) new utility corridors last.

• Sets compensation to CDOT at $600 per mile annually or $12,000 per mile as a lump sum for a 20-year access term, with inflation adjustments beginning July 1, 2028; alternatively, developers may compensate through public-private initiatives.

• Directs the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority to conduct a privately-funded study identifying state highway corridors suitable for high voltage transmission development within 18 months of securing funding.