WHY CLEANTECH? Clean technology taps into our tremendous potential to generate energy without depleting scarce resources. Clean technology leverages existing resources in the built environment to expand and grow the energy infrastructure. Clean technology brings skilled jobs. It can help revitalize rural communities, build the tax base and diversify economies. Clean technology mitigates the impact on consumers and the economy from fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. In some cases, renewable fuels – such as the sun, water and wind – are free. Clean technology helps solve fundamental problems caused by natural resource constraints and helps us build next generation infrastructures. Clean technology helps reduce carbon emissions.

COLORADO CLEANTECH FACTS: More than 300 cleantech companies are located in Colorado. Colorado is home to the nation's largest national laboratory devoted to renewable energy research and development. Colorado is among the top three states in cleantech venture capital investment. In 2009, Colorado was home to the first annual Rocky Mountain Clean Tech Open, a business competition for the best cleantech ideas. Colorado is home to clusters of companies in the wind, solar, biomass and efficiency fields. Colorado's major universities – the University of Colorado, Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Mines – are leaders in cleantech and renewable energy research and development. We are very pleased to announce an expanded Media Partnership with ColoradoBiz Magazine and Planet Profit Report. If you haven't already, please visit:

CCIA is pleased to announce full funding of the $200,000 state cleantech analysis and comprehensive roadmap.

UPDATE: After confirming final funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the CCIA released an RFP, interviewed national consulting firms and ultimately contracted with Navigant Consulting Inc to complete a substantial, comprehensive analysis and plan for Colorado.

Navigant’s work on behalf of Colorado includes:
- characterizing the U.S. and world’s future energy mix,
- assessing Colorado’s current cleantech assets and capabilities,
- identifying and analyzing other leading cleantech states and countries best practices and lessons learned,
- comparing current state capabilities to the desired future and developing a 3-5 year action plan.

The action plan, or roadmap, will include:
- action steps,
- objectives,
- priorities,
- milestones and,
- responsibilities.

The roadmap may include:
- changes to the state’s legislative/regulatory framework,
- workforce development programs, and
- strategies to attract investment and leverage research strengths.

Technology value chain opportunities may be identified to focus near term and long term investment efforts and will address market opportunities, competition and barriers. The analysis and plan will be completed by September 30 with a roll-out in early-mid October 2010. 

Policy Update

Federal Policy Watch

No Renewable Electricity Standard in Reid Energy Bill
Mark Udall (D-Colo.) told the New York Times that there are about 62 Senators who would support a RES that requires utilities to get 15% of their power by 2020 from renewable sources. The energy bill does include $5 billion in rebates for efficiency retrofits in homes, $3.8 billion to encourage the use of natural gas trucks, and $400 million to study electric cars, according to the article. More...


Department of Energy appropriates $30 million to support new technology
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced yesterday that $30 million in funding from the Recovery Act and FY 2010 budget appropriations will be available for eligible small businesses developing clean energy technologies. Small businesses may receive up to $3 million over three years to research, expand, and implement the project.

Colorado's 2010 General Session

The 2010 Colorado Legislature's General Session wrapped up on May 12 and CCIA is proud to have supported a variety of cleantech friendly legislation. Here's a quick review of legislation this session that will help to support and grow Colorado's nationally recognized cleantech cluster.

HB 1001: Renewable Energy Standard Increase to 30% by 2020 - This bill boosts existing renewable energy portfolio standards (RPS) to achieve 30% renewable generation in 2020 and requires a portion of the RPS to be met through a subset of renewable generation.

HB 1328 - New Energy Jobs Creation Act - This bill creates the Colorado new energy improvement district to provide a potential funding source for clean energy projects

HB 1333 - Green Jobs Colorado Training Pilot Program - This bill creates a pool of grant money for training programs in renewable energy fields.

HB 1365 - Clean Air Clean Jobs - This bill will retire or retrofit older coal-fired power plants to embrace low-emission energy sources.

More......