The Colorado House on Friday sent a bill to Gov. Bill Ritter that would encourage the development of more solar power plants.

The House passed the proposal after concurring with Senate amendments.

"If Colorado developed just 2 percent of its solar resources, it could meet half its energy demand," Rep. Judy Solano, D-Brighton, the prime sponsor of House Bill 1164, said in a press release. "By investing in large-scale solar, we're making good on our commitment to work toward genuine energy independence and to reduce the impacts of global warming."

The bill is aimed at improving the market for the creation of new energy technologies, including large-scale solar power production. It also asks the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to consider purchasing utility-scale solar energy when it's feasible to do so.

"Colorado has 300 days of sunshine annually; it's one of the sunniest states in the country," Solano said. "Southern Colorado in particular has the best solar resources for utility-scale solar in the country. By tapping into this potent source of power, we can significantly reduce our overall energy costs -- especially during the summer months, when energy consumption peaks."

The bill, also sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, is considered part of the "go solar" legislative package facing the General Assembly this session.