25-7-1601. Legislative declaration

25-7-1601. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and determines that:

(a) Rising temperatures are increasing the demand for air conditioners;

(b) Common types of air conditioners can also provide winter heating if they are configured as heat pumps, which are a more environmentally friendly option than other types of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems;

(c) The "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022", the state, and utilities are opening up opportunities to make this technology less expensive than cooling-only systems; and

(d) Colorado should be prepared to take advantage of new opportunities to the maximum extent to create a more affordable and environmentally friendly housing market and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry.

(2) The general assembly, therefore, determines and declares that it is in the public interest for the health and environment of the state to require that the Colorado energy office conduct a study of the technical viability, economic conditions, and workforce readiness of standards for configuring new residential air conditioners as heat pumps.