Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed HB26-1268 into law. The bipartisan policy—written and led by TNC—will advance Colorado’s energy independence, drive local economic development, help communities access low-cost clean energy and protect natural and agricultural land—all while preserving local control.
TNC collaborated with Representative Karen McCormick (House District 11) to develop this common-sense policy that will help local governments steer renewable energy projects toward capped landfills, former mines and other previously disturbed lands.
“With our increasing need for clean energy to be close to the demand for it, this bill will open up opportunities for local governments to partner with renewable energy developers for innovative new uses on otherwise limited use disturbed lands,” said Representative Karen McCormick.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified thousands of contaminated or previously used sites in Colorado suitable for renewable energy. According to nonpartisan analysis by Rocky Mountain Institute, installing solar on just 10% of these sites could repurpose 61,800 acres and generate enough electricity to power 1.4 million homes.
“This bill will enable us to reduce land disturbances and protect Colorado’s remarkable wildlife while meeting growing energy demands and managing rising energy costs for families,” said Duncan Gilchrist, TNC climate and policy advisor.
The new brownfields law is another tool designed to help us meet the needs of our next-generation electricity.
This year, the non-profit also advocated for the Colorado Grid Optimization Act (HB-1081), which encourages power companies to strengthen their grid by using enhancing technologies to improve grid efficiency, increase reliability and reduce wildfire risk.
Additionally, TNC supported HB25-1292, which became law in May 2025. The policy makes it easier to install power lines along existing highways, which is much better than having them cut through natural areas, like grasslands or forests.
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