29-20-402. Legislative declaration

29-20-402. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds that:

(a) New renewable energy projects and development of a skilled renewable energy workforce are needed in order to make progress on the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while also protecting public health, safety, welfare, and the environment, including wildlife resources;

(b) The protection of healthy, intact ecosystems results in resilient lands and waters that can be utilized as nature-based solutions to mitigate some impacts of climate change;

(c) Colorado will likely need to triple wind energy capacity and quintuple solar energy capacity by the year 2040 in order to meet the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals described in section 25-7-102;

(d) The development of renewable energy resources and transmission will generate cost savings for electricity consumers, provide economic opportunity and workforce development, provide more stable energy prices by reducing dependence on commodities with variable prices, reduce harmful air pollution, improve public health, increase energy security, and bring economic benefits to landowners and local communities; and

(e) There may be opportunities to streamline and expedite permitting of renewable energy projects in strategic areas.