What we do

The mission of the Colorado Climate Network is to support efforts by local governments and allied organizations in Colorado to reduce heat-trapping gases and to adapt to climate change – whether those efforts are styled as climate, sustainability, energy, or adaptation programs. The Network helps its members develop and implement those programs, learn of funding and other resources, and interact more productively with other local and state programs in Colorado. For more information about the Colorado Climate Network, which is administered by the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization, click on our about us page.

What's new

Network Grows with Addition of New Partners

We welcome one new, and one returning, Network member!

CLEER, Clean Energy Economy for the Region, based in Carbondale, is a non-profit energy consulting company that manages the Garfield Clean Energy Program, which includes energy coaching and advice for homeowners and building managers, transportation efficiency, economic development, and building codes throughout Garfield County.

The City of Aspen, has long been an environmental leader and is striving to reduce its carbon footprint by using resources and energy more efficiently, harnessing power from renewable resources and providing incentives and tools for the community. One of the founding members of the Network, the city's Canary Initiative was created in 2005 to address the climate challenge and provide leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions locally. The city's municipal electric utility is on track to be carbon neutral by 2015, obtaining its power from 100 percent renewable sources.

Legislative Update

Our final legislative wrap-up on the Colorado General Assembly's 2012 session, which ended May 16 after a three-day special session called by Governor Hickenlooper to address seven bills upon which action was not completed when the regular session ended on May 9. Among the special session bills that passed was one that funds water projects, studies, and grants programs, including $2 million for the next phase of the Colorado River Water Availability Study, which takes a comprehensive look at the potential impacts of climate change on the state's biggest source of undeveloped water. Other important bills related to climate action and clean energy that passed are one that reorganizes and provides funding for the Governor's Energy Office and another that removes barriers to installation of alternative fuels (electricty and compressed natural gas) fueling stations. Defeated were bills that would have diluted the state renewable energy standard, including one that would have made coal-mine methane capture for electricity generation eligible for renewable energy credits, and another that would have prevented investor-owned utilities from using tiered rates.

Second Network Workshop March 9 - The Network's Role on State Policy

March 9, 2012 - workshop session notes now available - click here.

The goal of the Network's second workshop of its new quarterly series was to identify and prioritize climate protection actions at the state level (including legislation, regulations, policies, technical support, funding, and partnerships) that the network can advance, especially in areas that cannot be fully addressed locally.

Invited resource experts from the Governor's Policy Office, the Governor's Energy Office, non-profits, and regional agencies joined in open discusssions with Network member staff to explore policy options in the clean energy, waste management, and transportation sectors. The Network Steering Committee is working to integrate the workshop results into the Network’s State Policy Agenda.

Network Associate Members

The Network welcomes as Associate Members organizations that wish to be affiliated with the Network, that wish to get such benefits as receiving the same communications that go to Network members and frre or reduced admissions to Network conferences and other events, and that are approved by the Steering Committee. Western Resource Advocates is the Network's first Associate Member. For more information about associate memberships see our about us page.

New resources:

  • Check out the latest grants listed on our grants page.
  • New webinars and other events are also listed on our calendar.
  • DOE Announces up to $5 Million to Spur Adoption of Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Communities Nationwide, May 8, 2012. Up to $5 million is available nationwide to help expand the use of alternative fuel vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs). The funding will help cut red tape and streamline permitting processes for homeowners and businesses, provide training for mechanics and first responders, and support community planning to expand fueling infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles. Teams that include one or more active designated Clean Cities coalitions as well as other partners with relevant expertise are encouraged. For more information and application requirements for this funding opportunity, visit the DOE's Funding Opportunity Exchange website under Reference Number DE-FOA-0000708.

  • EPA, DOE Launch Tools to Determine Solar and Wind Energy Potential on Contaminated Lands, May 4, 2012. The agencies have developed and launched two new tools designed to test underutilized sites and contaminated land for solar and wind energy potential. EPA will host a webinar to discuss these and related tools on May 22, 2012, from 12-1:30 pm MDT. For more information, or to register visit the webinar page. Direct links to the tools:  Screening sites for Solar PV Potential (PDF) and   Screening sites for Wind Energy Potential (PDF).

  • New EPA Webcast Series on Funding & Financing Local Government Clean Energy Programs, April 24, 2012. In May and June, EPA's Local Government Climate and Energy Program will host a three-part webcast series about funding and financing clean energy programs.
    May 16, 2012, 12:00-1:30 PM (MDT) – Part I: Getting Started: Answering Big Picture Funding Questions. To register, visit the registration page for Part I.
    May 30, 2012, 12:00-1:30 PM (MDT) – Part II: Getting it Funded: Finding Funding for your Clean Energy Programs. Visit the registration page for Part II.
    June 13, 2012,     12:00-1:30 PM (MDT) – Part III: Keeping it Going: Financing Options for your Clean Energy Programs. Vvisit the registration page for Part III.
  • Other Resources from EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program

Guide on Landfill Gas Energy for Local Governments, March 1, 2012. EPA releases a final version of Landfill Gas Energy:  A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs.

Energy Efficiency in Local Government Operations, February 7, 2012. Energy Efficiency in Local Government Operations: A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs.

Online Clean Energy Financing Decision Tool and Guide, January 17, 2012. Financing Program Decision Tool and a Financing Program Decision Guide.
 

  • American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Reports

Keeping It in the Community: Sustainable Funding for Local Energy Efficiency Initiatives, May 2, 2012. The report discusses various sustainable funding opportunities and includes case studies of communities around the nation.

Local Energy Planning in Practice: A Review of Recent Experiences, March 25, 2012. The report reviews the planning activities of a sample of localities that have developed energy-related plans.

Innovative Local Delivery of Energy Efficiency, February 28, 2012. This white paper presents eight case studies from communities across the country.

Market Transformation Efforts for Water Heating Efficiency, January 18, 2012. This report assesses current utility-sponsored programs targeting high efficiency water heating equipment.

Analysis of Energy Behavior Programs in the Workplace, January 10, 2012. This report is about energy behavior programs aimed at building an energy-efficient office culture and reducing building energy use.

  • The challenge to the FHFA ban on PACE

Local government leaders in Colorado were among those nationwide who commented on a court-order for FHFA to reconsider its 2010 to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to stop underwriting home mortgages with PACE assessments. See what could happen next at the website of PACENow, a national coalition working to promote PACE programs.

  • Bonds Available for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects
    In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocated $3.2 billion in bond volume for the Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECB). QECBs are debt instruments that states, local governments and tribes can issue at extremely low rates to fund energy conservation projects, including energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy installations, green community programs, and public education campaigns. Each state received a QECB allocation proportionate to its population, which was subsequently sub-allocated to their largest local governments (cities and counties of 100,000 population or more). While a number of localities have successfully used QECBs, much of the $3.2 billion allocation remains unissued. In most states, cities and counties interested in funding energy projects with QECBs can still tap into unused allocations. Click here for more information.