Colorado governor signs renewable energy bills

DENVER, Colorado ” Gov. Bill Ritter signed three bills Friday to promote renewable energy.

One bill creates a loan program to help schools pay for renewable energy projects and electric or hybrid buses so they can save money on utilities and fuel.

Another provides a state sales tax exemption for solar thermal parts.

Ritter says that program is expected to create hundreds of manufacturing and installation jobs over the next five years.

A third new law will help farmers and ranchers use renewable energy.