House Committee Takes Another Step in Repowering Colorado’s Economy, Passes Solar Homes Bill

Environment Colorado

Denver, CO – By unanimous vote, House Bill 1149, The Solar Home Prewire Consultation Bill, passed out of the House Transportation and Energy committee this morning. This bill, sponsored by Representative Merrifield (House District 18) and Senator Morgan Carroll (Senate District 35), requires homebuilders to offer solar electric and solar hot water heating as standard options to home buyers. The option would give homebuyers the choice to add solar to their home during the construction phase, much the way consumers are given the choice of adding marble or granite countertops to their new kitchen.

 “Today’s vote shows that the sun is still shining on Colorado’s solar resources.  With a unanimous committee vote, it’s clear that Colorado leaders are focused on putting green jobs at the forefront of rebooting the states’ economy.

 “This bill is a double boost to the economy. It gives Coloradoans the option to save money on their energy costs as they invest in a new home and at the same time it creates jobs across the state.  This is win-win opportunity for all of Colorado.

 “Again this year Colorado is going solar by implementing clean energy solutions that rebuild our economy by creating sustainable local jobs at the same time we cut global warming and air pollution. This bill is the kind of smart policy that is a sound investment today and will help Colorado take advantage of the federal support being voted on in Congress.  ”