The priority
Prepare for Colorado’s inevitable growth by institutionalizing sound water efficiency measures.
Why this is vital now
Colorado’s population is expected to increase by a million people over the next decade. This will create even more demand for our already scarce water supplies. We will look to increase efficiency both on the personal level and the statewide planning level.
Proposed Legislation
House Bill 1006 – Increased Funding For The Division Of Water Resources - Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Postponed Indefinitely – Environment LOSS
Authorizes the expenditure of up to 5% of the moneys in tier 1 of the operational account of the severance tax trust fund for the division of water resources, and allows this increase to supplant moneys that would otherwise be made available to the division from the general fund. Sponsored by Representative Curry and Senator Brophy. YES is the pro-environment vote.
House Bill 1051 – Mandatory Efficiency Reporting For Water Providers - Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Signed by Governor – Environment WIN
Creates a tracking system for water providers to follow water usage and the effectiveness of water saving measures. Sponsored by Representative Pommer. YES is the pro-environment vote.
House Bill 1159 – Mitigation For Water Exports - Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Killed in House – ENVIRONMENT LOSS
Increases the power of water court judges to include consideration of large scale or long term water rights exchanges. Sponsored by Representative Pace and Senator Gibbs. YES is the pro-environment vote.
House Bill 1250 – Water Conservation Board Construction Fund - Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Signed by Governor – Environment WIN
Appropriates funds for critical water conservation projects. Sponsored by Representative Fischer and Senator Hodge. YES is the pro-environment vote.
House Bill 1358 – Water Smart Homes - Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Signed by Governor – Environment WIN
Requires commercial homebuilders to include options for water efficient installations when building new single family homes. Sponsored by Representative Fischer and Senator Johnston. YES is the pro-environment vote.
Senate Bill 025 – Long-Term Funding Of The Water Efficiency Grant Program - Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Signed by Governor – Environment WIN
Extends the state’s Water Efficiency Grant program, currently set to expire in two years, until 2020. Sponsored by Senator Whitehead and Representative Baumgardner. YES is the pro-environment vote.
Senate Bill 027 – Fines For Unauthorized Diversion Of Surface Water - Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Signed by Governor – Environment WIN
Subjects persons who illegally divert surface water to the same penalties as those who illegally divert ground water. Sponsored by Senator Sandoval and Representative Roberts. YES is the pro-environment vote.
Senate Bill 078 – Reusing Effluent From A Wastewater Facility - Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Postponed Indefinitely – Environment LOSS
Authorizes an appropriator to use the return flows of reusable water from a wastewater facility for any safe beneficial use. Sponsored by Senator Hodge. YES is the pro-environment vote.