K.C. Becker taking helm of COSSA

Former House speaker and EPA administrator replaces Mike Kruger as CEO of Colorado Solar and Storage Association

K.C. Becker will be the new chief executive of Colorado Solar and Storage Association. She replaces Mike Kruger, who announced several months ago that after leading the organization for nearly seven years it was time for somebody else to figure out how to move the solar industry forward.

Becker, who is from Boulder, served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2018 to 2021. She was House majority leader from 2017 until 2019 and speaker of the House from 2019 to 2021. She subsequently became the regional director of the Environmental Protection Agency, overseeing the EPA’s activities in Colorado and five other states. That included implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.

“I couldn’t think of a better fit to take our industry to the next level,” said William Clay, president of the board of directors for COSSA. “K.C.’s dedication to climate action combined with her diplomatic leadership will prove to be an excellent combination for where we are headed and the goals we need to meet.”

During her tenure with the Colorado State legislature, Becker sponsored groundbreaking climate change legislation as well as comprehensive reforms to state oil and gas regulations and creation of the Office of Just Transition. In May 2019, she and other legislators at the end of that ground-breaking legislative session gathered at a solar installation in Arvada to see Gov. Jared Polis sign their bills into law.

“This is a pivotal moment to leverage my experience in building a climate-safe future for our communities and position Colorado as a top-five solar energy state,” said Becker.

“Solar and energy storage aren’t just key to decarbonizing our environment and improving air quality—they have the potential to be powerful drivers of economic growth. Mike Kruger has set a great foundation, and I’m committed to working alongside our members to ensure his legacy continues and these technologies become central to Colorado’s future.”

Kruger endorsed his successor. “Now, more than ever, we need strong leadership and influence at the state level. I believe there is no one better to take over those reins than Becker and look forward to seeing the industry flourish under her guidance.”

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Benefitting from a 42% decline in prices over the last decade, solar has moved into the mainstream of energy. In 2023, according to the Energy Information Administration, it was responsible for 6% of all electrical generation in Colorado. Solar Energy Industries Association, a national organization, reports that in 2024 solar delivered 11.5% of all electrical generation in Colorado.

COSSA represents about 300 of Colorado’s 380 solar companies .