Legislative declaration

The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the enactment of this part 5 is in the interest of the people of the state of Colorado and of the United States and is for a public purpose; that the selection of a site within the state of Colorado for the construction and operation of a federal facility for the purpose of conducting solar energy research and development and other related forms of energy research is desirable and consistent with scientific, industrial, and commercial development of this state; and that the state should facilitate research which will protect and enhance the preservation of natural resources and the environment of the state, including its land, air, and water and the health and welfare of its citizens. It is the purpose of this part 5 to facilitate the acquisition and use of land or interests in land which may be needed or desirable for a permanent site suitable for a federal facility to conduct solar energy research and development. It is further declared that the development of renewable, fuel resource-conserving, and nonpolluting forms of energy is a matter of statewide concern and affected with the public interest and that the provisions of this part 5 are enacted in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.