(1) The general assembly finds and determines that efficiency standards for certain products sold in Colorado:
Assure consumers and businesses that such products meet minimum efficiency performance levels, thus reducing energy and water waste and saving consumers and businesses money on utility bills;
Protect consumers and businesses against manufacturers who would otherwise sell,in Colorado, less efficient appliances that they cannot sell in states that have higher standards;
Save energy and thus reduce pollution and other environmental impacts associatedwith the production, distribution, and use of electricity, natural gas, and other fuels;
Improve electric system reliability and potentially reduce the need for new energyand water infrastructure based on the resulting energy and water savings;
Apply to products available at a price equal to or less than noncompliant products, oravailable at a minimal cost premium;
Have saved Coloradans billions of gallons of water since 2014, when WaterSensestandards were enacted for plumbing fixtures, without sacrificing quality or product performance; and
Contribute to the economy of this state by helping to better balance supply and demand for both energy and water, thus reducing the upward pressure on prices for electricity, natural gas, and water caused by increased demand. In addition, efficiency standards allow consumers and businesses to use the money they save on utility bills to purchase local goods and services.
(2) Therefore, the general assembly declares that the adoption of energy and water efficiency standards in accordance with this article 7.5 is a matter of state and local concern and serves the public interest of the people of Colorado.
Source: L. 2019: Entire article R&RE, (HB 19-1231), ch. 356, p. 3270, § 1, effective August 2.