For a governor who vows to make renewable energy the state's "calling card," it wouldn't be a legislative session without a initiative from Gov. Bill Ritter on that issue.
That moment came last week during his State of the State speech, in which Ritter threw his support behind a proposal requiring homebuilders to offer buyers the option of putting solar panels on their home or having the home pre-wired for the panels.
"Homebuyers already have choices when it comes to countertops, paint colors and flooring," he said. "People should have similar options when it comes to sustainability."
The inclusion in the address thrilled environmental activists, who see the proposal as a chance to spread renewable energy throughout Colorado.
The proposal also signifies a new front in green energy legislation.
While notable past efforts have focused on large-scale regulations — mandating how much energy big power providers must generate from renewable sources, for instance — lawmakers and advocates are pushing ideas to help individuals obtain renewable technology, what Ritter calls, "bringing the new energy economy home."
"It's, 'How can we make sure we can expand opportunity and access so that all Coloradans can afford to get involved in this economy?' " said Pam Kiely, the legislative director for Environment Colorado.
Coupled with this new push is a debate over how far government should go to aid what is ultimately a private industry.
