Colorado Governor Polis Takes Leadership on Clean Energy

Strategic Insights -

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has taken a decisive step forward in protecting the state's energy future by issuing an executive action that supports the deployment of clean energy. This move aims to remove local barriers, streamline permitting, accelerate interconnection, and promote utility-scale procurement, ultimately saving Coloradans billions of dollars in avoided energy costs while creating good local jobs and strengthening grid reliability.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Polis' executive action seeks to fast-track affordable, reliable clean energy in Colorado by removing local barriers and streamlining permitting.
  • The action aims to accelerate interconnection and advance utility-scale procurement, creating a path for continued solar and storage investment in the state.
  • This move is expected to save Coloradans billions of dollars in avoided energy costs while creating good local jobs and strengthening grid reliability.
  • The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) applauds this practical, forward-looking leadership, recognizing the urgent need to clear the way for solar and storage deployment.
  • SEIA's InterMountain West senior manager, Wil Gehl, states that this action creates a path for continued solar and storage investment in Colorado that will deliver the reliable, affordable power that Coloradans are demanding.
  • The executive action sets an example for all governors and state leaders to follow across the country.
  • SEIA aims to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power.

Statistics:

  • SEIA works with over 1,000 member companies to promote solar energy and shape fair market rules.
  • Colorado's executive action aims to save Coloradans billions of dollars in avoided energy costs.
  • SEIA's vision for the Solar+ Decade is to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation from solar by 2030.
  • Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries.

Sources:

  • Solarenergyindustries.org
  • Wil Gehl, InterMountain West senior manager for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) statement