Second Regular Session | 74th General Assembly
Colorado General AssemblyDuring the 2019 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a variety of measures related to climate change, land conservation, wildfires, and other issues related to environmental protection.
The Legislative Council Staff’s Water Policy Handbook is intended to serve as a reference guide to Colorado's water policies and programs. The book is divided into three parts. Each part covers a different aspect of Colorado water law and policy.
Report No. 2023-TE4
The instream flow (ISF) program was created by legislation in 1973, which authorized the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to appropriate or acquire water rights of natural streams and lakes to preserve the natural environment without diverting the water. The ISF program recognized the...
This memorandum memorializes the process for requesting and preparing greenhouse gas emissions reports (GHG reports) pursuant to Section 2-2-322.3, C.R.S., starting at the 2023 legislative session. It outlines the number of reports per session, the process for requesting reports, the...
The recently renamed Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee (WRARC) was created to contribute to and monitor the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources for the general welfare of the state (Section 37-98-102, C.R.S.). In 2022, the committee charge...
Geothermal energy refers to heat that is found within the Earth. This heat can be used in a number of ways through geothermal energy systems. First, it can be used to directly heat buildings, where hot water near the earth’s surface is piped into buildings. Second, it can be used indirectly...
An estimated 3.3 million people in Colorado are affected by drought, with 2022 being the driest year to date over the past 128 years. In response to the ongoing drought in Colorado, the General Assembly passed HB 22-1151 to promote the efficient and maximum utilization of Colorado’s...
During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to natural resources and the environment including wildfire prevention and control; air quality; natural resources; environmental protection; and recycling.
During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to water, including water project funding, groundwater sustainability, watershed resiliency, turf replacement, and other water related efforts.
Report No. 2022-TE24
The effective date for bills enacted without a safety clause is August 7, 2024, if the General Assembly adjourns sine die on May 8, 2024, unless otherwise specified. Details