New law
will increase the use of domestic energy sources and expand statewide economic
opportunities for alternative fuel vehicles
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed
HB-1258 into law making it easier for prospective locations, such as grocery
stores and shopping malls, to install and sell alternative fuels to electric
and natural gas vehicles.
HB-1258
will enable retail, fleet and community venues to host locations for electric
and compressed-natural gas vehicles to refuel. HB-1258, titled “Concerning
Regulation of Public Utilities in Terms of Alternative Fuel Vehicles,” will
help build out the alternative fuel vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure
in the state by removing regulation from the state Public Utility Commission so
natural gas (CNG/LNG) and electricity can be sold to alternative fuel vehicles.
“The
Colorado Cleantech Industry Association believes signing this bill into law is
an important step in jump starting Colorado’s advanced transportation industry
and increasing the use of domestic energy sources,” said Christine Shapard,
executive director of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association. “Above all
else, it’s giving Coloradans, companies and retailers a choice in where and how
they fuel their alternative fuel vehicles.”
Senator
Cheri Jahn, D-Wheat Ridge and Representative Brian DelGrosso R-Loveland
sponsored HB-1258. It was also supported by the Governor’s Energy Office and
Xcel Energy and passed through Colorado legislation with bipartisan support.
"Making
alternative fuels accessible to consumers is paramount in our effort to curb
harmful emissions. This legislation is meant to pave the way before this
emerging industry without burdensome PUC regulation,” said State Senator Cheri
Jahn. “When the market allows, our goal is to make sure that everyday citizens
can access alternative fuels every day.”
In
accordance with state statutes, HB-1258 will go into effect as law on August 8,
2012.
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