Energy-efficiency rebates clear panel
An energy-efficiency measure twice vetoed by former Gov. Bill Owens was passed out of the Senate state affairs committee Wednesday.
House Bill 1037, by Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, and Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, would direct Xcel Energy and other investor-owned utility companies to offer rebates to customers who use energy-efficient products.
“These types of programs are the fastest, cheapest way to take a big bite out of your utilities bill,” said Rex Wilmouth, director of the consumer advocate Colorado Public Interest Research Group, which backed the bill.
Fitz-Gerald called it a “a win-win proposal for consumers and businesses. It will lower carbon dioxide emissions, save water, conserve natural gas and energy, and send money back to households and businesses.”
Metals registry sought to thwart thefts
The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed a bill Wednesday to crack down on the increased theft of metals, especially copper.
House Bill 1141, by Sen. Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora, and Rep. Nancy Todd, D-Aurora, would create a registry for anyone buying and selling commodity metals.
“Copper, brass and aluminum have been the target of thieves who have been attracted by the increased price of these metals,” Williams said. “This bill is designed to allow law enforcement to work better with the purchasers and sellers of commodity metal. Under current law, it is very difficult to catch these thieves.”
The bill now goes to the Senate floor for consideration.
