Senate Democrats
1. Mike Weissman
2. Cathy Kipp (tie)
2. Matt Ball (tie)
3. Lisa Cutter (tie)
3. Faith Winter (tie)
2025 Legislative Scorecard
New Voices, Continued Mission
The 2025 legislative session marked a year of fresh starts and renewed energy for Healthy Air and Water Colorado. With new leadership at the helm and nearly a quarter of the state legislature newly elected, this session brought a wave of new voices, ideas, and political dynamics. Amidst the change, HAWC remained focused on our mission: protecting public health from the accelerating threats of climate change. Our 2025 Legislative Scorecard reflects the critical work done in partnership with legislators, advocates, and our growing network of health professionals to combat the growing public health threats of climate change.
House Democrats
1. Meg Froelich
2. Elizabeth Velasco
3. Junie Joseph
Senate Republicans
1. Cleave Simpson
2. Byron Pelton
3. Barbara Kirkmeyer
House Republicans
1. Matt Soper
2. Rick Taggart
3. Rose Pugliese
*Winners pictured
Key Bills
HB25-1286 - Protecting Workers from Extreme Temperatures
- Sponsors: Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, Rep. Meg Froelich, Sen. Mike Weissman, Sen. Lisa Cutter
- Pro-Health Position: Support
- Final Action: Postponed indefinitely by sponsors
Summary: Extreme heat and cold temperatures significantly impact the health and safety of workers, both indoors and outdoors. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures in particular can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal if not promptly treated. These conditions reduce productivity, increase the risk of accidents, and can result in long-term health issues. The Extreme Temperatures Colorado coalition introduced what would have been nation-leading legislation to protect workers across the state. While efforts were not successful this year, we will continue to advocate for policy change to protect workers and promote resiliency in our changing climate.
HB25-1269 - Building Decarbonization Measures
- Sponsors: Rep. Jenny Willford, Rep. Alex Valdez, Sen. Matt Ball, Sen. Cathy Kipp
- Pro-Health Position: Support
- Final Action: Signed into law
Summary: Buildings are the third-largest source of pollution in Colorado, accounting for 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. The Colorado Energy Office and coalition partners introduced this bill to build upon Building Performance Standards established in 2021. Once implemented, the bill will improve ease of administration and building compliance and set up an enterprise to support the building sector to meet climate goals, improve energy efficiency, and reduce emissions – which will in turn create a healthier environment for every Coloradan.
HB25-1096 - Automated Permits for Clean Energy Technology
- Sponsors: Rep. Lesley Smith, Rep. Kyle Brown, Sen. Matt Ball, Sen. Cathy Kipp
- Pro-Health Position: Support
- Final Action: Signed into law
Summary: In 2023, Colorado had some of the longest solar permitting timelines in the western United States. This bill will make getting a permit for a home to install solar panels faster and easier, promoting faster adoption to protect our environment and improve public health. It will require cities, counties, and the state to make available an automated online software platform for approving residential solar and battery permits, saving time and resources for local permitting offices.
Final Bills Scored
TIER 1
- HB25-1286 - Protecting Workers from Extreme Temperatures - Concerning protecting workers from exposure to extreme temperatures
TIER 2
- HB25-1096 - Automated Permits for Clean Energy Technology - Requiring large municipalities to adopt an automated residential solar permitting platform with funds to support implementation
- HB25-1268 - Utility On-Bill Repayment Program Financing - Establishing the financing of a utility on-bill repayment program for certain energy-related improvements through loans that residents repay on their monthly bills
- HB25-1269 - Building Decarbonization Measures - Further establishing building decarbonization measures and requirements, and creating and funding an enterprise fund to help building owners meet state goals
- HB25-1277 - Increasing Transparency Impact of Fuel Products - Increasing transparency regarding the public health and environmental impacts of the consumption of certain fuel products
OPPOSED
- SB25-141 - Municipal Government Exemption from Energy Code Requirements - Concerning an exemption for certain municipalities from the requirement to adopt an energy code for residential buildings
- SB25-280 - Data Center Development & Grid Modernization Act - Concerning benefits to facilitate data center development while supporting electric grid infrastructure
Additional Resources:
- Healthier Colorado 2025 Legislative Scorecard Webpage
- Healthy Air and Water Colorado 2024 Legislative Scorecard
