DENVER - On July 1, 2024, Governor Polis, joined by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), announced two important new reports that outline how Colorado can further harness emerging clean energy solutions, like geothermal and hydrogen energy, to help reach the State’s climate and air quality goals. Directed by a law signed by Governor Polis (SB23-285), both of these studies identify strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to provide positive benefits to local communities and the state, to reduce utility costs, and to drive investment and job creation across Colorado. 

“Colorado is changing the clean energy game to allow for lower cost and more reliable energy, and growing opportunities for geothermal and hydrogen technology. In Colorado, we are taking the next step towards improving air quality, supporting businesses, and creating jobs," said Governor Polis. 

These two studies include: 

- Geothermal: ECMC, Colorado Geological Survey (CGS), and Teverra collaboratively completed a comprehensive review of Colorado’s geologic and geothermal history, a data review and resource assessment, a utilization and market analysis and a corresponding environmental and regulatory evaluation of the geothermal opportunities in Colorado. Over the past several years, the CGS has compiled large amounts of data in support of geothermal research. Through this study, the data was further analyzed and will be released to the public to provide foundational information to support the development of geothermal resources throughout the state. 

- Hydrogen: ECMC, in collaboration with other state agencies, investigated the current state and federal regulations governing hydrogen infrastructure, transportation and storage. The study provides proposed direction for better and safer permitting underground storage of hydrogen, the transportation of hydrogen through pipelines, and other related underground hydrogen operations subject to ECMC's directive and regulatory authority. 

“Colorado stands at the cusp of significant geothermal expansion, leveraging its rich geological endowment, technological advancements, and experience regulating energy in a protective manner to power a clean energy economy for all of Colorado,” said Julie Murphy, ECMC Director. “Strategically utilizing hydrogen when it can replace fossil fuels can also play an important role in the path to reduce emissions. The studies released today provide useful information for community members, innovators, and all stakeholders as ECMC leverages its regulatory work to promote clean energy solutions.” 

About the ECMC 
The mission of the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) is to regulate the development and production of the natural resources of oil and gas, deep geothermal resources, the capture and sequestration of carbon, and the underground storage of natural gas in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment and wildlife resources. Visit the ECMC website for more information.