Legislative Priorities

That's a Wrap!

The 2023 legislative session began with the promise that water would be the “centerpiece” of this year’s agenda; and indeed, it resulted in conversations around water that fueled many late-night committee meetings, achieved headlines across the state, and ultimately, bills on the Governor’s desk. 

This year, Water for Colorado supported and closely watched three key bills. Each one passed and was signed into law by Governor Polis, although substantial changes were made along the way. The three bills were:

  • Senate Bill 23-270: Projects to Restore Natural Stream Systems
  • Senate Bill 23-295: Colorado River Drought Task Force
  • Senate Bill 23-177: Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Projects Appropriations

Learn more about each bill and what they mean for Colorado’s water future by reading our blog, “Wins for Water: The 2023 Legislative Session in Review.”



Elevating Colorado's Water Challenges in This Year's Session

It’s no secret Colorado’s rivers and streams are suffering and our state’s challenges are a good example of water crises gripping the American West. Parched rivers; stressed farms, livestock and fish; and more frequent floods and wildfires are all symptoms of the disruption wrought as climate change impacts our region and already strained water supply.

Colorado’s lawmakers and other leaders have a responsibility to ensure Coloradans have the tools we need to proactively respond to drought and its impacts. Water is among the highest priority items the General Assembly must take on this session. The 2023 budget proposal highlights support for addressing our state’s water challenges. Last year the federal government injected a once-in-a-generation allocation of public funds to support water needs in the West.

Action is needed within the Colorado legislature to increase funding and capacity to establish both immediate and long-term drought security and to protect clean drinking water alongside river and watershed health.

2023

Legislative Priorities

SIGNED: SB23-270: Concerning Activities that Restore the Environmental Health of Natural Stream Systems without Administration

This bill aims to legally safeguard the ability of Coloradans to pursue the stream headwaters restoration projects necessary to protect our forests against wildfire and our water supply against the impacts of climate change.

SIGNED: SB23-270: Concerning Activities that Restore the Environmental Health of Natural Stream Systems without Administration

This bill aims to legally safeguard the ability of Coloradans to pursue the stream headwaters restoration projects necessary to protect our forests against wildfire and our water supply against the impacts of climate change.

SIGNED: SB23-177: 2023 Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Projects Appropriations

Concerning the funding of Colorado water conservation board projects, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SIGNED: SB23-177: 2023 Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Projects Appropriations

Concerning the funding of Colorado water conservation board projects, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SIGNED: SB23-295: Colorado River Drought Task Force

This bill creates the Colorado river drought task force to identify and recommend new and more flexible tools to help our communities, and all who depend on rivers, respond to threats and impacts of drought and climate change.

SIGNED: SB23-295: Colorado River Drought Task Force

This bill creates the Colorado river drought task force to identify and recommend new and more flexible tools to help our communities, and all who depend on rivers, respond to threats and impacts of drought and climate change.

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