New Energy Future In the News

A bill that would let cities and counties help homeowners and businesses take out loans to install solar, wind and energy-efficiency improvements won unanimous approval Tuesday in the House Transportation Committee.

House Bill 1350, sponsored by House Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder, and Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver, would let people who invest in renewable-energy and efficiency improvements pay back loans through a property lien over 20 years.

"Even with rebates, the average homeowner might not think they can afford to install energy-efficiency or clean-energy improvements in their homes," Madden said. "Now they can."

The bill goes to the full House this week for debate.

Pam Kiely, program director for Environment Colorado, a coalition of environmental groups, said that homes and businesses can help themselves.

Community leaders have supported the bill.

"Financing energy-efficiency measures and renewable-energy sources has always been a challenge. The governor has asked every Coloradan to work with him in cutting the state's greenhouse gas emissions," Boulder County Commissioner Will Toor said.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.