Colorado Lawmakers: Key Climate and Environmental Actions (and Missed Opportunities) in 2023

Colorado lawmakers have recently tackled a range of important environmental issues, balancing the need for budget cuts with the challenges of a dryer future and managing vital resources.

This year’s session saw significant developments in the realm of clean energy, with Gov. Jared Polis’ administration celebrating new laws. “This legislative session marks a bold leap forward in protecting both community health and our environment,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, head of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. She highlighted efforts against air pollution and the importance of water security.

Yet, reactions from environmental advocates are mixed. Some believe the impact of budget cuts and compromises with the oil and gas industry limited progress. Ean Tafoya from GreenLatinos remarked that the committees faced tougher challenges than in previous years.

One notable bill included nuclear energy in the state’s clean energy definition, despite pushback from community groups. This measure allows financing for nuclear projects and lets utilities count nuclear output toward clean energy goals. Additionally, lawmakers considered moving up the deadline for sourcing all power from clean sources to 2040. However, they ran out of time to push this legislation forward.

The Oil and Gas Truce

This session was the first after a controversial truce between leading Democrats and the oil and gas sector. The agreement halted ballot initiatives for the upcoming 2024 elections and involved compromises on pollution legislation. Some environmentalists felt this truce weakened efforts to combat greenhouse gas emissions, a leading cause of climate change. “The deal last session … really set us up for not being able to do much,” said Heidi Leathwood from 350 Colorado.

Instead, 350 Colorado shifted focus toward supporting a bill that would require warning labels on fuel products about their environmental impact. However, this proposal ultimately met resistance and failed to pass.

Legislative Outcomes

Despite setbacks, Colorado passed several important laws this session, including:

• Nonnative Turf Ban: A new law prohibits the use of nonnative grass types, like Kentucky bluegrass, in new apartment complexes, aimed at reducing water consumption.
• Bison Classification: Wild bison are now classified as big game, protecting them from hunting without a license.
• Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards: A bill enables the Air Quality Control Commission to establish standards for buildings to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
• Wild Horse Management: State officials gained more authority to manage wild horse populations on Colorado’s Western Slope, addressing concerns over overpopulation.
• Snowpack Data Collection: A new program will collect and analyze snowpack levels to help forecast water supplies, crucial for the state’s water management.
• Fencing Regulations: Local governments now have a say in approving large-scale fencing projects on certain lands, responding to community concerns about wildlife disruption.

These measures reflect a growing awareness and response to environmental challenges, but the road ahead remains complex. Experts continue to urge lawmakers to invest in climate solutions, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The Colorado legislative session stands as a representation of the ongoing struggle between economic needs, environmental protections, and climate change initiatives. For further insights on Colorado’s environmental policies, check out the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment here and visit Environment Colorado for advocacy updates.

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