A new energy bill could create more than 30,000 jobs for Colorado, according to a recent study by Environment Colorado.

House Bill 1001 would require that Xcel Energy and Black Hill Energy derive 30 percent of their energy from renewable resources by 2020. It already passed in the state's House of Representatives and will be heard the Senate's Local Government and Energy Committee next week, according to a report in the Denver Business Journal.

In its "Investing in the Sun" report, Environment Colorado advocated for a statewide 30 percent renewable energy requirement. About half of the solar power created would come from onsite generators. This could help create 33,325 new construction jobs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million tons during the next decade, according to the report.

"Now is the time for Colorado to strengthen its foundation for success in this new energy economy," the report said. "Sound renewable energy policies enacted today will deliver benefits immediately and for generations to come."

Other benefits include saving water and contributing to the state's overall economy. A renewable energy requirement of 30 percent could lead to 6.8 billion gallons of water saved and $4.8 billion in economic development, according to the study.

Colorado currently has a renewable energy requirement of 20 percent by 2020.