House votes 41-24 to pass Senate Bill 260, providing sustainable funding streams for the state’s vehicle electrification programs and transportation infrastructure.
DENVER, June 2, 2021 — Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) applauded the Colorado legislature for passing comprehensive transportation funding legislation, Senate Bill 21-260*. Approved by the House 41-24, SB 260 will invest over $730 million to accelerate Colorado’s zero-emission vehicle market over the next decade. Having passed concurrence in the Senate, the bill now heads to Governor Polis for his expected signature.
“SB 260 provides Colorado with a strong path toward economic recovery and pollution reduction. This kind of stable, multi-year funding is vital for Colorado to accelerate its zero-emission vehicle market and modernize the state’s transportation system,” said Emilie Olson, principal at AEE. “With its proposed portfolio of complementary investments and revenue-generating strategies, this bill can propel the state toward a modern, reliable transportation system.”
The bill creates three new state electrification enterprises with dedicated funding to develop the modern infrastructure needed to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles of all types, including ride-hailing fleets, delivery trucks, transit and school buses, and private vehicles Coloradans depend on.
“Colorado’s electric vehicle market is primed for expansion thanks to landmark advanced transportation policies approved by the legislature. Building on this foundation, SB 260 represents a transformational opportunity to electrify transportation and modernize infrastructure in all corners of the state,” said Olson. “The bill gives Coloradans the clean transportation and mobility options they deserve.”
“Doubling down on public investment in accessible vehicle charging equipment presents a significant economic recovery and workforce development opportunity by putting Coloradans to work in good paying, high quality infrastructure jobs. As AEE has shown, every dollar invested in advanced energy and transportation yields a six-fold return for Colorado,” said Olson. “AEE thanks Senator Faith Winter, Representative Matt Gray, Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, House Speaker Alec Garnett, and the Governor’s Office for their leadership in making this timely legislative package a reality.”
*Note: AEE offers free, complimentary access to its PowerSuite online platform tracking all federal and state energy legislation and regulatory filings, plus RTO/ISO policy action, to credentialed media. Sign up for a free trial and contact Monique Hanis (mhanis@aee.net) for permanent media access.
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