The Senate today easily approved two environmentally friendly bills that won plaudits from Senate GOP Chief Andy McElhany for their “responsible” approach to renewable energy.

“House Bill 1087 is an innovative idea that will produce real results,” said the Colorado Springs legislator. “Just as important, it will do so without creating wasteful spending by the government or mandating abusive regulation on business.”

“I’m glad to see that the Democrats are beginning to listen to our concerns about their approach to renewable energy,” added McElhany.

HB-1087 allows school districts to apply for federal grants to build wind power projects. The projects must be part of a school curriculum, and must also provide power for the school and lower the school’s utility bills.

After sailing through the House and Senate on near-unanimous votes, the bill now heads to the governor for a signature.

Republican legislators also found praise for House Bill 1145, which requires the state to assess the public land that it owns and identify possibilities for renewable energy development.

“This is a responsible bill that recognizes that state lands can be put to good use and used to benefit all stakeholders,” said Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield. “Considering how hard that has traditionally been for environmental groups to admit, I see this bill as a victory for common-sense land management as much as for renewable energy.”

HB-1145 has also breezed through both legislative chambers without opposition, and awaits a final vote in the Senate.

“Republicans will continue to oppose frivolous measures that raise utility costs for families, harm consumers, and dampen our business climate,” McElhany continued. “But as long as we’re promoting green energy in a responsible, common-sense manner, then full steam ahead.”

Republicans opposed one measure today that is endorsed by the environmental lobby. House Bill 1220 would require the state and other government entities to purchase environmentally-preferable products and services, as long as the cost is no more than 5% above the lowest bid.

“This approach harms the taxpayer more than it helps the environment,” said McElhany. “Like every other bill here, the goal is laudable, but it’s simply not the responsible approach.”