Committee advances bill to give state tools and transparency when federal orders keep coal plants operating

Sponsors told the committee HB12‑126 was created to respond to federal orders that can keep coal generating units running beyond agreed retirement dates and to protect Colorado ratepayers and the state’s climate and air‑quality goals.

Sen. Cutter and Sen. Weisman said the bill requires the public and state agencies to receive information on the cost and impacts of federal orders that keep plants open, gives the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) tools to manage ratepayer impacts (including financing orders intended to spread costs), and requires air‑pollution rulemaking by CDPHE to propose new limits on nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide for units that remain online past planned retirement dates.

Environmental, public‑health and local government witnesses generally voiced support. Cindy Copeland (Boulder County/Colorado Communities for Climate Action) and Anne Sutton (League of Women Voters) urged strict emissions protections and the creation of new CDPHE rules by a stated future date; Earthjustice and Conservation Colorado urged transparency, financing options that protect ratepayers, and pollution‑control requirements for extended operations. Public‑health witness Dr. Velma Campbell noted concerns about continued exposure to pollutants and urged attention to cross‑fuel and combustion emissions.

Sponsors adopted a clarifying amendment (L004) in committee. After closing remarks from sponsors emphasizing the bill’s goal of guarding against federal overreach while preserving reliability, the committee voted to send HB12‑126 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; the roll call recorded a 5–3 vote in favor.