Press Release - Energy Efficiency & Civil Air Bills Signed
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008
CONTACT:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER SIGNS ENERGY EFFICIENCY, CIVIL AIR PATROL & OTHER BILLS INTO LAW TODAY
Gov. Bill Ritter signed several pieces of legislation into law today, including a measure that removes a barrier to energy efficiency by providing better guidelines to homeowner associations (HOAs) and expanding the list of devices and measures allowed on individual homes to improve energy efficiency. He also signed a bill that ensures job security for members of the Civil Air Patrol who get called away for an emergency.
House Bill 1270 was sponsored by Rep. Andy Kerr and Sen. Ron Tupa. This bill will encourage homeowners to get personally involved in the New Energy Economy by extending the types of energy efficiency items HOAs must allow. Solar panels are already permitted under state law, but this bill will expand that to wind generators, awnings, shutters, attic fans, swamp coolers and retractable clothes lines.
"HB 1270 balances both the needs of HOAs to do the things which protect property values, and also to encourage homeowners to improve energy efficiency," said Gov. Ritter.
House Bill 1097 was sponsored by Rep. Kent Lambert and Sen. Chris Romer. It provides job security for members of the Civil Air Patrol. The bill allows an employee who is a member of the Civil Air Patrol to take a leave of absence from their job for up to 15 days a year if they are called away to duty.
"We rely on the skilled members of our Civil Air Patrol to help with search and rescue operations, and with fire season approaching, this is a good policy to put in place," Gov. Ritter said.
For a complete list of legislation Gov. Ritter has signed into law during the 2008 legislative session, click here.